The Trump administration's $200 million contribution to the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies presents an opportunity to hold the organizations accountable, according to B'nai B'rith International.
Rabbi Eric Fusfield, director of legislative affairs at B'nai B'rith International, said the administration should use the announcement to demand that the ICRC "show accountability for its shameful performance during the Israeli hostage crisis."
The State Department said the funding will support disaster and humanitarian assistance, noting that the organizations "respond quickly when disasters strike, provide unparalleled access to people in need in conflict settings, and leverage preexisting worldwide disaster and humanitarian response infrastructure."
Fusfield criticized the ICRC's record during the hostage situation, stating that "the ICRC failed every test with respect to Israelis held captive by Hamas terrorists."
He detailed his concerns, saying "They never met with the hostages, never assured them comfort or medical supplies, never demanded proof of life and never did anything to speed their release." Fusfield called on the U.S. And international community to seek accountability, stating "The ICRC has much to answer for, and the U.S. and the international community should demand those answers."