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.”
An Iranian tanker was hit by U.S. forces on Saturday near Iran's key oil export hub, Kharg Island, in the Gulf...
U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have arrived in Moscow for peace talks on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, two people familiar wi...
Spanish authorities are preparing a new site in Ceuta to accommodate hundreds of migrants who remain on the str...
U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will visit Russia then Ukraine over the weekend, Russian state news agency TASS has reported, citing an unnamed source. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also said American envoys will visit the capitals of both countries.
The Iranian Health Ministry said at least 18 people were killed and 142 others injured in U.S. airstrikes carried out between 30 August and 2 September.
U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have arrived in Moscow for peace talks on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, two people familiar with the matter said. They were met by Russian Presidential Envoy Kirill Dmitriev.
U.S. efforts to squeeze Iran’s economy through an oil blockade and sanctions are becoming increasingly difficult for Tehran to withstand, according to three senior Iranian sources. Washington is escalating pressure in hopes of securing concessions in future negotiations.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 4th of September, covering the latest developments.
A Chinese national was pulled alive from a tunnel in Nepal on Saturday, authorities said, 10 days after a wall of ice, rock and mud tore through a Himalayan valley, killing more than 1,300 people and leaving more than 5,600 missing.
U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have arrived in Moscow for peace talks on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, two people familiar with the matter said. They were met by Russian Presidential Envoy Kirill Dmitriev.
Spanish authorities are preparing a new site in Ceuta to accommodate hundreds of migrants who remain on the streets following large-scale arrivals in July, local media reported Saturday.
At least two people were killed and dozens injured on Friday after an explosion at a military barracks in the Bolivian municipality of Viacha, about 30 km (20 miles) from La Paz, Defence Minister Ernesto Justiniano said.
The resolution, sponsored by African countries and led by Togo, passed by 164 votes to one, with six abstentions. The United States was the only country to vote against it.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment