Hamas Video of Emaciated Israeli Hostage Sparks Outrage and Renewed Calls for Action

The family of Israeli hostage Evyatar David condemned Hamas after a video showed him severely malnourished in captivity. The video renewed global concerns over humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where famine looms amid ongoing Israeli military operations. Aid efforts continue, but civilian casualties and suffering persist on both sides.

The family of Evyatar David, a 24-year-old Israeli hostage held by Hamas in Gaza, has condemned a newly released video showing him visibly emaciated and digging what he says is his own grave. Captured during the Hamas-led attack on a music festival on 7 October 2023, David has been in captivity for nearly two years. His family accused Hamas of using starvation as a weapon in a "cynical propaganda campaign," urging both the Israeli government and international community to intervene before it's too late.

In the video, David appears gaunt and weak, stating he hasn’t eaten for days and has limited access to drinking water. He is one of 49 Israeli hostages still believed to be held in Gaza, 27 of whom are presumed dead, according to Israeli authorities.

The video has reignited debate over humanitarian conditions in the region. While Hamas is accused of mistreating hostages, Israel faces international criticism over its blockade of Gaza and alleged obstruction of humanitarian aid. Aid agencies and UN officials claim the Israeli military campaign has pushed Gaza towards famine, a charge Israel denies, stating it is facilitating aid drops and taking steps to improve the humanitarian situation.

On Saturday, Israeli forces reported air-dropping food aid in coordination with international partners, including Egypt, Jordan, and France. However, Gaza’s health ministry said seven more people, including a child, died of malnutrition that same day. The ministry claims a total of 169 people, including 93 children, have now died from hunger since the war began.

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In the past 24 hours alone, 83 more people were reported killed in Gaza amid Israel’s ongoing offensive. The video of David has intensified global scrutiny, as both sides of the conflict face accusations of causing suffering for political leverage.