An ICRC statement declared that the organization was “uaware” of the staging, and emphasized that “the return of remains to loved ones must not be politicized.”
The International Committee of the Red Cross said that the video of Hamas staging the discovery of a hostage’s body in front of Red Cross volunteers was “unacceptable” in a Tuesday statement.
An IDF drone captured footage of Hamas terrorists staging the falsified uncovering on Tuesday.
The video shows Hamas members placing slain Ofir Tzarfati’s remains in a freshly dug hole before covering the remains with dirt. They then proceeded to “dig” up the remains and called over members of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to witness the discovery.
According to the statement, the ICRC was present at the request of Hamas officials, but their personnel were “not aware that a body had been placed at the site before their arrival.”
The Red Cross denied prior knowledge of or responsibility for the hoax, explaining that Israeli authorities were previously notified of the organization’s presence at the scene, which “was carried out in full transparency.”
“It is unacceptable that a staged recovery of hostages has occurred, especially when so much depends on the existence of this agreement and so many families are still anxiously waiting for information about their loved ones.”
Hamas terrorists seen taking out a white bag containing the remains of Ofir Tzarfati, covering it with sand, October 28, 2025. (credit: Section 27A of the Copyright Act)
ICRC slams Hamas for staged discovery of slain hostage’s remains
The Red Cross clarified that its staff “observed what appeared to be the collection of remains, without prior knowledge of the circumstances that led to it” and “was unable to intervene directly in what was taking place.”
The statement urged all parties involved in the ceasefire to fulfill their commitments and “assist in returning those who have passed.”
The ICRC called for “the dignified handling of human remains, in accordance with the requirements of international humanitarian law, as well as the maintenance of forensic standards,” emphasizing that the “return of remains to loved ones must not be politicized.”