JERUSALEM — New footage of emaciated Israeli hostages held by militant groups in Gaza has elicited horror across Israel and intensified calls for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to pursue a ceasefire with Hamas.
The distressing videos, released late last week by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, feature two skeletal hostages—Evyatar David and Rom Braslavski—pleading for their lives.
In one clip, Evyatar David ominously states that he is digging his own grave, while recounting days spent without food.
In another, Rom Braslavski writhes in pain on a grimy mattress, revealing that injuries to his foot prevent him from standing.
The Associated Press, typically refraining from publishing videos of hostages filmed under duress, has decided to share brief excerpts with the consent of their families.
The heartbreaking videos incited tens of thousands of Israelis to take to the streets on Saturday night, demanding a ceasefire deal in one of the largest protests seen in recent months.
A father’s torment was palpable as Ofir Braslavski, Rom’s father, articulated his anguish from his home on Monday.
“You see your child dying before your eyes, and you can’t do anything,” Braslavski lamented.
He added, “It drives you crazy, it’s unbearable, there’s nothing you can do.”
Braslavski described how Rom appeared far worse in the latest video than in one released four months earlier, stating, “There, he also looks terrible, but he had this hope in his eyes where he felt he was still going to get out and it would be okay.
“Now, in the last video, he looks completely turned off; it’s as if he’s waiting for death.”
He continued, noting that his son, usually a strong and cheerful individual, sobbed and begged for his life in the recent footage, marking a painful departure from Rom’s typical demeanor.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has announced plans to convene the Cabinet this week to discuss strategies on meeting three objectives regarding the ongoing war: defeating Hamas, securing the release of hostages, and eliminating threats from Gaza.
However, his proposals for potentially escalating military operations are facing strong opposition in Israel.
Prominent security leaders and cultural figures have voiced their disapproval through letters of protest.
As concerns mount regarding famine in Gaza, the released videos coincide with urgent warnings about the dire condition of Palestinians in the region.
International condemnation surrounding Israeli policies limiting aid deliveries has been widespread as images of starving Palestinians circulate globally.
Families of the hostages are increasingly anxious that the lack of food could threaten the lives of the remaining captives, with less than half of the approximately 50 hostages believed to be alive.
In response to the disturbing footage, Netanyahu expressed shock and revealed that he met with the Red Cross to urge that hostages receive food and medical care.
However, he noted that Hamas has never allowed such access.
Netanyahu remarked, “When I see these, I understand exactly what Hamas wants.
They do not want a deal. They want to break us using these videos of horror.”
The Prime Minister stated that the videos have reinforced his resolve to free the hostages and eradicate Hamas, drawing a stark and controversial parallel to Nazi atrocities during World War II.
The International Committee of the Red Cross shared its dismay over the unsettling videos, urging for access to the hostages.
Meanwhile, Hamas’ military wing announced its willingness to positively respond to Red Cross requests for food deliveries, conditional upon the establishment of humanitarian corridors for regular aid to Gaza.
However, they denied any intention to starve the hostages, asserting that the captives have access to adequate food.
Braslavski, in contrast, dismissed these claims, alleging that the apparent health of the captors starkly contrasts with his son’s frail appearance in the video.
“This hunger is on purpose, you can see that,” he asserted, adding, “It’s not because we’re not letting aid go in.”
Israel’s mission to the United Nations has called for an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council concerning the hostages, slated for Tuesday.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar is scheduled to travel to New York for the meeting.
Sa’ar criticized Hamas for using the videos as leverage, stating that they are attempting to impose their conditions for remaining in power in Gaza.
Netanyahu plans to direct the Cabinet on military actions to achieve the objectives of defeating the enemy, securing the hostages’ release, and ensuring that Gaza ceases to be a threat to Israel.
This focus aligns with Netanyahu’s commitment to an unwavering strategy against Hamas.
The emergence of the hostages’ distressing videos occurs amidst alarming reports of escalating starvation deaths in Gaza.
Experts warn of a potential famine in the region due to the prolonged blockade by Israel.
No aid entered Gaza from March 2 to May 19, and restrictions on aid have persisted since.
The United Nations has reported that at least 850 individuals have died while trying to access aid at dangerous and chaotic distribution sites set up by Israel and the U.S. in May.
As of Monday, Gaza’s Health Ministry reported the death of five additional adults due to malnutrition-related causes, bringing the total to 87 since tracking began in late June.
Ninety-three children have also succumbed to malnutrition since the onset of the war, according to the Health Ministry.
In stark contrast, the Israeli government has denied allegations of starvation occurring in Gaza.
The conflict has resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals, mostly civilians, during the initial Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, with an additional 251 reported as abducted.
Meanwhile, Israel’s military actions have led to more than 60,900 Palestinian deaths, as documented by Gaza’s Health Ministry.
image source from：npr
