ICRC Offers to Mediate Hostage Exchanges as Gaza Peace Talks Begin Amid Ongoing Strikes

Published: 06 September 2025. The English Chronicle Desk

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has reiterated its readiness to act as a neutral humanitarian intermediary in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, particularly in relation to the exchange of hostages and detainees. The announcement comes at a moment of heightened tension in Gaza, as casualties continue to rise and peace talks, driven by US President Donald Trump’s initiative, are set to begin in Egypt.

According to the ICRC, the organisation has already facilitated the release of 148 hostages and 1,931 detainees since October 2023, alongside the return of human remains to their families. Mirjana Spoljaric, the ICRC’s president, stressed the urgency of reaching a ceasefire, warning that without it, the cycle of violence and destruction will only intensify. “A lasting ceasefire is critical to saving lives and breaking the cycle of death and destruction,” she said, adding that the committee was also prepared to deliver humanitarian aid inside Gaza and distribute it directly to civilians in desperate need.

The humanitarian situation inside Gaza continues to deteriorate. The Hamas-run health ministry reported that in the last 24 hours alone, 21 Palestinians were killed and 96 others injured by Israeli strikes. Since Israel began its military campaign in retaliation for the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, the ministry estimates that at least 67,160 Palestinians have lost their lives. Thousands more remain trapped under rubble, with emergency services unable to reach them due to ongoing strikes and the destruction of key infrastructure.

Amid this backdrop of mounting civilian suffering, peace efforts are gaining momentum in Egypt. Delegations from Israel, Hamas, the United States, and Qatar are set to hold indirect talks in Cairo to discuss Trump’s proposed Gaza peace plan. Preparatory discussions have already started, according to correspondents on the ground. The United States has framed the talks as urgent, with President Trump himself publicly urging all parties to “MOVE FAST” or risk seeing further bloodshed.

Yet officials have cautioned against expecting swift results. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told NBC News that although Washington is pushing for a rapid breakthrough, it is likely to “take some time” before any alternative governance structure in Gaza emerges to replace Hamas. Within the region, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has welcomed the American plan, describing it as part of a “path to lasting peace and stability.”

However, not all regional actors share the same optimism. Iran, a principal supporter of Hamas, has expressed caution, insisting that the ultimate decision must rest with the Palestinian people themselves. Tehran’s foreign ministry signalled that while it is closely monitoring the developments, it remains wary of external pressure dictating the outcome of peace talks.

Meanwhile, violence on the ground continues unabated. Gaza’s Civil Defense reported that 24 people were killed in Gaza City in the past day, following a series of Israeli airstrikes. The Israel Defense Forces confirmed that it had targeted “a number” of sites in advance of the peace negotiations, suggesting that military operations will continue in parallel with diplomatic efforts.

The convergence of diplomacy and warfare highlights the extreme complexity of the crisis. While the ICRC seeks to keep humanitarian priorities at the forefront by facilitating exchanges and aid delivery, political leaders remain divided over the long-term vision for Gaza’s governance and security. With the stakes higher than ever and public frustration mounting on both sides, the coming weeks may determine whether Trump’s peace initiative gains traction or whether the region is destined for yet another cycle of violence.