Hamas releases fresh video of Israeli hostage, drawing outrage from family as they denounce perceived propaganda, labeling it as disgraceful
In the ongoing hostage crisis in Gaza, a new video featuring Israeli hostage Evyatar David has been released by Hamas, escalating the urgency for a peaceful resolution. The longer video, which shows David visibly emaciated and struggling to stand in a tunnel in the Gaza Strip, has reignited the debate on the need for an agreement between the Israeli government and Hamas to secure the release of all hostages.
The publication of this video, along with previous ones by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, has caused great outrage in Israel. In its statement on Saturday, Evyatar's family believes that he has only a few days left to live in his current state. The family, who described Evyatar as a "living skeleton, buried alive," allowed Israeli media to broadcast the longer video, emphasizing the need for a solution as soon as possible.
The Israeli army has declared 27 of the hostages dead, leaving 49 still in Gaza from the October 7 terrorist attack. Despite recent videos released by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, there has been no public announcement of progress toward their release. The current status of negotiations between the Israeli government and Hamas regarding the release of hostages remains tense and unresolved, with indirect talks reportedly ongoing but no confirmed breakthrough yet.
According to the latest urgent briefing on the Middle East and the Palestinian question by the UN Security Council, diplomatic efforts are continuing through intermediaries, but the situation remains highly volatile and complex due to mutual distrust and the broader conflict dynamics. The videos appear to be part of ongoing psychological and political pressure tactics rather than signals of imminent resolution.
The longer video also emphasizes the need for a solution with the image of an hourglass, increasing the urgency for a resolution to the hostage situation in Gaza. As the situation continues, the international community is urged to intervene and facilitate a peaceful resolution to this crisis, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all hostages involved.
[1] UN Security Council, Urgent Briefing on the Middle East and the Palestinian Question, 2 August 2025.
- The United Nations Security Council, in its latest urgent briefing, has urged the international community to intervene in the ongoing hostage crisis in Gaza, highlighting the need for a political resolution involving the government of Israel and Hamas to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the remaining hostages.
- Amidst the escalating war-and-conflicts and general-news in the Middle East, crime-and-justice issues, such as the hostage crisis in Gaza, are being spotlighted, with the release of the latest video featuring Evyatar David serving as a stark reminder of the urgent need for diplomatic intervention and resolution in the region.
