Hamas spokesman Abu Obaida stated that hostages held in Gaza “will not receive any special privileges” amid what he described as a situation of siege and starvation.

Hamas’s military wing announced it is “prepared to respond” to any Red Cross request to deliver food and medicine to the hostages—whom it refers to as “enemy prisoners”—but only if Israel agrees to open permanent humanitarian corridors and suspend air operations during aid deliveries.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has not been granted access to the hostages in nearly two years and has faced mounting criticism from Israel. In response to demands from Prime Minister Netanyahu, the ICRC has issued a renewed call for immediate medical attention for those held captive.

Abu Obaida claimed the hostages are not being starved, insisting they receive the same food as Hamas fighters and civilians, without any “special treatment” due to the conditions of the blockade.