Western leaders have condemned videos showing emaciated Israeli hostages filmed by their captors in Gaza, with the Red Cross demanding access to all still in captivity. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy called the hostage images “sickening” and urged their “unconditional” release. The outcry followed Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s video release of Rom Braslavski and Hamas’s footage of Evyatar David. Israeli leaders accused Hamas of starving hostages, which Hamas denies, claiming prisoners eat the same as everyone during Gaza’s hunger crisis.
Braslavski, 21, and David, 24, were captured at the Nova music festival on 7 October 2023 in a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel. They are among 49 hostages Israel claims remain in Gaza from an original 251, including 27 presumed dead. After the videos surfaced, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed “profound shock” to the families, promising relentless efforts for their return. He also urged the Red Cross to ensure food and medical care for hostages. The Red Cross voiced being “appalled” by the videos, highlighting the dire conditions hostages face and reiterated its call for access to assess conditions, provide medical support, and facilitate family contact. Hamas’s armed wing agreed to allow aid delivery if humanitarian corridors are regularly opened and bombing paused during aid receiving. The Red Cross faces criticism in Israel for allegedly failing Gaza hostages, with Palestinians also condemning lack of visits to Israeli prisons since 7 October.
Protests in Tel Aviv demand the government’s action to free hostages. Families of Braslavski and David insist “everyone must get out of hell, now.” In a video, Braslavski, crying and stating he’s out of food and water, is accused of being “forgotten” by his family. He recounts consuming only three falafel crumbs and being unable to stand or walk. In response, his family pleaded with Israeli and US leaders to help bring him home. David’s video reveals him saying he hasn’t eaten in days and is barely hydrated, while preparing a grave for himself. His family accuses Hamas of deliberate starvation, dubbing him a “living skeleton.”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the image release as “appalling”, emphasizing hostage release as mandatory for a ceasefire. French President Emmanuel Macron called Hamas’s acts “abject cruelty”, pushing for hostages’ release, ceasefire restoration, and unhindered humanitarian aid to Gaza. Macron promoted a political solution for peace between Israel and Palestine and announced France’s intent, alongside Canada and the UK, to recognize Palestine under specific conditions, a move condemned by Israel.
As famine fears in Gaza rise, UN-backed agencies report daily malnutrition deaths. The Hamas health ministry reported 175 malnutrition deaths, including 93 children, since the conflict began. UN and aid groups accuse Israel of blocking humanitarian aid, a claim Israel denies, blaming Hamas instead. Despite evidence, Israeli authorities deny Gaza’s starvation allegations, dismissing them as Hamas propaganda. Pictures of malnourished children circulate among Israeli protesters advocating a Hamas deal, but many Israelis remain unaware of Gaza’s plight. As the conflict endures, international isolation grows for Israel amid Gaza’s devastation and the humanitarian outcry. Global polls indicate increasing negative sentiment towards Israel, pressuring leaders to take action.