Israeli Construction and Housing Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf has urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to block Red Cross visits to terrorists until Israeli hostages held in Gaza receive the same treatment.

Goldknopf’s demand comes after Hamas failed to provide medications to Israeli hostages, despite promises to do so as part of an agreement guaranteed by the US and others. The Red Cross has also denied responsibility for the matter, leading Goldknopf to stress that the organization cannot release itself from its responsibilities and must ensure hostages receive medical care and visits.

He believes blocking Red Cross visits to terrorists will place additional pressure on Hamas and ensure the rights of Israeli hostages are preserved. Goldknopf’s proposal has been supported by Settlement Minister Orit Strock, who also advocates for equal treatment for Israeli hostages.