Brother of captive: Evyatar's state struck me as if hammered by a thousand blows
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, a video released by the Hamas terrorist organization has shown Israeli hostage Evyatar David in a severely deteriorated physical condition [2][4]. The video, which has caused widespread shock and devastation, has been met with strong reactions from the families of hostages and survivors.
Ye'ela David, Evyatar's sister, took to Instagram to respond to the footage, pleading with people not to share it as their mother and brother had not yet seen it [1]. Omer Wenkert, a former hostage who was held in Hamas captivity alongside Evyatar, also shared his thoughts on the video.
In an Instagram post, Omer Wenkert described the conditions in which they were held, stating that the video showed the cramped and unlivable tunnels they lived in [1]. He claimed that Hamas inserted frames of starving children in the video, although he was unsure if they were from Gaza [1]. Omer further accused Hamas of stealing supplies and causing the hunger in Gaza [1].
Omer Wenkert, who lost 37 kilos during his captivity, stated that he did not see his captors suffer the same weight loss [1]. He expressed particular concern over Evyatar's physical condition and appearance in the video [1]. The family of Evyatar David has not approved the publication of the video or any still images from it [1].
The New York Times, in a post referencing the video, noted the extent of Evyatar's deteriorated physical state, implying severe malnourishment and harsh captivity conditions [1]. This aligns with the descriptions from former hostages and survivors who view these videos as evidence of the severe hardship faced by those held captive by Palestinian terror groups.
In summary, the condition of Evyatar David is described as frail and emaciated, causing deep concern for both his family and former hostages familiar with captivity [3][4]. This incident underscores the grave humanitarian concerns surrounding his situation and the difficult conditions faced by hostages held by terrorist organizations.
- In his Instagram post, Omer Wenkert, a former hostage, discussed the poor living conditions in the tunnels he and Evyatar David were held, mentioning the link between these conditions and the 'crime-and-justice' aspect regarding Hamas's treatment of hostages.
- The general-news outlet, The New York Times, reported on the video's releases, expressing concerns over Evyatar David's severe physical condition, tying it to the broader 'politics' discussion surrounding the treatment of hostages by Palestinian terror groups.
