Hamas releases footage featuring captive Evyatar David
Israeli Hostage Eviatar David Shows Signs of Distress in New Hamas Video
Eviatar David, a 25-year-old Israeli musician from Kfar Saba, remains in captivity nearly two years after being kidnapped by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, attacks. In a chilling new video released on August 1, 2025, Eviatar appears visibly weak and exhausted, speaking about his suffering and the desire for the ordeal to end [1][2][4].
The video depicts Eviatar in a narrow, suffocating tunnel, crossing off days on a calendar while expressing deep exhaustion and hopelessness. He is seen digging, stating that his actions are "like digging my own grave." The footage is part of ongoing psychological warfare by Hamas, intended to exert political pressure and use hostages as leverage [1][2][4].
In the video, Eviatar's physical state is visibly deteriorated, with a pale face and trembling voice. His family and the Israeli public have been waiting with hope for his safe return since his disappearance, and his case has become one of the longest and most distressing among those kidnapped during the 2023 hostilities [1][4].
Eviatar is the middle child in his family, with an older brother named Eli (26) and a younger sister named Ye'ela (18). He is a talented musician who plays acoustic and classical guitar. Since the attack, he has not been in contact with his family [4].
The video was initially shown as a form of "ceremony" by Hamas, and it was not published due to the families' request that it or parts of it will only be published with their permission [3]. Previously, a video of Eviatar lying on the floor, frightened, with someone blinding him with a flashlight, was circulated on Telegram [2].
No significant new developments such as a release or rescue have been reported. As of mid-2025, Hamas continues to deny access by international bodies like the Red Cross to hostages, and efforts to free captives remain highly challenging amidst the broader Gaza conflict [3].
The families of the kidnapped, along with the Israeli public, continue to hope for Eviatar's safe return. Let us all pray for his swift and peaceful release.
Sources:
- The Times of Israel
- Ynet News
- Al Jazeera
- Haaretz
The video, a chilling part of Hamas' psychological warfare, sheds light on the broader context of ongoing war-and-conflicts and politics in the region. The deteriorating state of Israeli hostage Eviatar David, captured by Hamas, raises concerns in the realm of crime-and-justice, as the international community struggles to prevent such acts and ensure justice for the victims.
