Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a sharp condemnation of Hamas, reacting to the release of a harrowing propaganda video depicting Israeli hostage Evyatar David in a severely emaciated condition, appearing to dig his own grave. In a statement, Netanyahu called the actions of Hamas ‘criminal Nazi abuse,’ emphasizing the unacceptable nature of such acts and the need for global condemnation. The video, which has drawn widespread outrage, has intensified calls for international action against the terror organization.
David’s brother, Ilay, has warned of the dire condition of the hostages, describing the situation as a live experiment in starvation orchestrated by Hamas. He spoke at a massive rally demanding a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Tel Aviv over the weekend, stating, ‘They are on the absolute brink of death. In their current, unimaginable condition, they may have only days left to live.’ Ilay condemned Hamas for using the suffering of his brother as a tool for propaganda, calling it a ‘brutal, barbaric assault on every shred of basic human decency.’
Meanwhile, the U.S. and Israel have suspended their ceasefire negotiations, with recent efforts focused on addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and securing aid distribution. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff met with Netanyahu in Israel before spending several hours in Gaza inspecting food distribution centers amid hunger concerns. Witkoff stated the purpose of the visit was to provide President Donald Trump with a clear understanding of the humanitarian situation and to assist in crafting a plan to deliver food and medical aid to the people of Gaza. Chapin Fay, a spokesperson for the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, highlighted the visit as a sign of Trump’s understanding of the stakes, emphasizing the priority of feeding civilians, not Hamas.
The families of the hostages have also expressed their pain and despair, with David’s family stating they were forced to watch their beloved son ‘deliberately and cynically starved in Hamas’s tunnels in Gaza – a living skeleton, buried alive.’ In a statement released through the Hostages Families Forum Headquarters, they described the deliberate starvation of their son as one of the most horrifying acts the world has seen. Netanyahu’s office confirmed that he had spoken at length with the families of David and another hostage, Rom Braslavski, who was recently seen in similar condition. The prime minister expressed profound shock over the materials distributed by the terror organizations Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, reaffirming the ongoing efforts to return all hostages.
As the situation escalates, the international community faces mounting pressure to respond to the humanitarian crisis and the alleged atrocities committed by Hamas. The U.S. and Israel’s renewed efforts to coordinate aid and negotiate a ceasefire reflect the growing urgency of the situation. However, the release of the propaganda video has further polarized public opinion, with many calling for stronger international sanctions and accountability for Hamas. The global response to the video highlights the deepening crisis and the urgent need for a resolution that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all hostages and civilians in Gaza.