Netanyahu vows action after hostage videos aired

Two new videos released by Palestinian militant groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad have sparked international condemnation and renewed pressure on Israel and the global community to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza since the October 7, 2023 attacks.

The latest footage, published on August 2 by Hamas, shows Israeli hostage Evyatar David in a severely emaciated state inside a Gaza tunnel. David, who was abducted during the Hamas-led attack on the Nova music festival near the Israeli border, is seen sitting in a dimly lit underground chamber, holding a hand-written chart showing multiple days without food. In a disturbing final scene, he is filmed digging what he claims is his own grave, saying his body is weakening and he feels he is nearing death.

“I ate nothing… and again I ate nothing,” David says in the video, his voice faint as he points to a crude list taped to the tunnel wall. Reuters could not verify the video's date or location, though David references July 27.

A separate video released a day earlier by Islamic Jihad shows hostage Rom Braslavski pleading for food and water. Visibly distressed and frail, Braslavski says he is in constant pain and mental torment. “I can't sleep, I can't live… I’m surviving on less than a litre of water,” he says, urging for an end to the suffering and the provision of basic aid.

Netanyahu reacts, families outraged

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the videos on Sunday, describing them as deeply shocking. “These horrifying images show the true face of Hamas,” he said. “But we will not break. I am more determined than ever to bring our people home, dismantle Hamas, and make sure Gaza is no longer a threat.”

At a protest held on Saturday in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square, relatives and supporters of those abducted demanded the government prioritise the hostages’ release and end the war in Gaza. According to Israeli officials, 50 hostages remain in Gaza — but only 20 are believed to still be alive.

The Hostages Families Forum released a statement condemning Hamas' treatment of the captives. “For over 660 days, innocent people have been held in impossible conditions,” the group said. “Hamas must immediately release all hostages. Until then, it is their duty to care for them. Any deaths among the hostages will be Hamas’ responsibility.”

Hamas offers conditional aid cooperation

In a statement issued on Sunday, Hamas said it was willing to coordinate with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to deliver humanitarian aid to the hostages — but only if Israel permanently opens humanitarian corridors and halts airstrikes during aid distribution.

To date, Hamas has refused to grant international humanitarian organisations access to the hostages. The new videos, showing skeletal figures and emotional breakdowns, have heightened global pressure for transparency and action.

Hamas’ proposal came as mounting global criticism followed the video of David. France, Germany, the UK, and the U.S. all condemned the footage and the broader treatment of hostages. Israel’s foreign ministry announced that the United Nations Security Council will hold a special session on Tuesday to address the hostages' plight.

U.S. envoy pledges support

On Saturday, U.S. special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff met with families of hostages, promising them that the U.S. is actively working with the Israeli government on a plan that could lead to both a ceasefire in Gaza and the safe release of captives. President Donald Trump, who has made resolving the conflict a priority, is backing the plan, though talks have so far failed to yield results.

Meanwhile, the families continue to wait many in anguish as images of suffering and desperation circulate across social media and international news.

“Every day counts,” said one family member outside the Tel Aviv protest. “They’re not just hostages. They’re people. And they’re running out of time.”

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