Trump admin's $200 million to Red Cross offers chance to press it over Oct. 7 hostages, B’nai B’rith tells JNS

B’nai B’rith International is urging the Trump administration to leverage its recent $200 million aid package to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to demand accountability from the ICRC regarding its handling of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Rabbi Eric Fusfield, B’nai B’rith’s director of legislative affairs, stated that the ICRC “failed every test with respect to Israelis held captive by Hamas terrorists.” He criticized the organization for not meeting with hostages, providing comfort or medical supplies, demanding proof of life, or working to expedite their release. The U.S. State Department indicated the aid is for disaster and humanitarian assistance, supporting organizations that respond to disasters and provide access to people in conflict zones.