The family of Israeli hostage Evyatar David, held by Hamas in Gaza, has strongly condemned a recent video released by the group. The family accuses Hamas of deliberately starving Evyatar as part of a "propaganda campaign."
The video, released on Saturday, shows an emaciated Evyatar David in what appears to be a narrow concrete tunnel. Evyatar, 24, has been held captive since being seized by Hamas during the October 7, 2023 attack on a music festival in southern Israel.
"We are forced to witness our beloved son and brother, Evyatar David, deliberately and cynically starved in Hamas's tunnels in Gaza - a living skeleton, buried alive," the family stated. They are urging the Israeli government and the international community to do everything possible to secure Evyatar's release.
In the video, Evyatar is heard saying, "I haven't eaten for days... I barely got drinking water," and is seen digging what he claims will be his own grave. This has caused immense distress to his family and sparked outrage globally.
During their attack, Hamas seized 251 hostages. Israel reports that 49 hostages are still held in Gaza, including 27 believed to be dead. The IDF claims to be improving humanitarian aid in Gaza, with recent airdrops of food packages. However, aid agencies have accused Israel of weaponizing food, pushing Gaza towards famine, an allegation Israel denies.
International Response
The video has sparked international condemnation. Many are calling for Hamas to release all hostages immediately. The situation highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the urgent need for a ceasefire and increased aid delivery.
Key Concerns
- The deliberate starvation of hostages.
- The psychological impact on the hostages and their families.
- The broader humanitarian crisis in Gaza.