Hamas announced readiness to coordinate with the Red Cross to deliver aid to hostages it holds in Gaza if Israel meets certain conditions, after releasing a video showing an emaciated captive that drew sharp criticism from Western powers, Lebanese Al Mayadeen reported on August 3.

The group's military wing, the Qassam Brigades, said through spokesman Abu Ubaida that any coordination with the Red Cross requires Israel to permanently open humanitarian corridors and halt all forms of airstrikes during aid distribution periods.

According to Israeli officials, 50 hostages now remain in Gaza, with only 20 believed to be alive. Hamas has previously barred humanitarian organisations from accessing the hostages, leaving families with little information about their conditions.

On August 2, Hamas released its second video in two days of Israeli hostage Evyatar David, showing him skeletally thin and digging what he describes as his own grave.

The video drew condemnation from France, Germany, the UK and the US, with Israel's foreign ministry announcing a special UN Security Council session for Tuesday morning.

Abu Ubaida clarified that the Qassam Brigades do not deliberately starve prisoners, noting they "eat the same food consumed by our fighters and our people," whilst emphasising that "no prisoner will receive special privileges under the crime of starvation and siege imposed on Gaza."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had asked the Red Cross to provide humanitarian assistance to the hostages during a conversation with the head of the Swiss-based ICRC's local delegation.

The Hostages Families Forum said Hamas's comments cannot hide that it "has been holding innocent people in impossible conditions for over 660 days" and demanded immediate release. David's family issued a statement saying humanitarian aid must reach both Gaza residents and their son.

Six more people died of starvation or malnutrition in Gaza over the past 24 hours, raising the death toll from what international agencies describe as an unfolding famine to 175, including 93 children, since the war began.

Israel allowed four tankers of UN fuel to enter Gaza to help operate hospitals, bakeries and other essential services, whilst Egypt's Al Qahera News reported two trucks carrying 107 tonnes of diesel were set to enter the enclave.