Hamas's disturbing violence footage leaves Merz shocked and dismayed
In the ongoing hostage crisis in the Gaza Strip, two Israeli citizens, Evyatar David (24) and Rom Braslavski (22), continue to be held by Palestinian armed groups. Recent propaganda videos have shown the emaciated and weakened conditions of the hostages due to severe food and water deprivation.
David was depicted digging what he claimed to be his own grave, while Braslavski appeared extremely weak, highlighting the harsh conditions the hostages are subjected to by Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. As of August 2025, there are approximately 49 hostages in Gaza, with only 20 presumed to be alive.
The treatment of these hostages is considered a war crime under international law, and calls for their immediate and safe release have been made by various human rights organisations, including Human Rights Watch, and the United Nations Security Council.
The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has reportedly proposed a full military conquest of Gaza to regain control, a move that risks further escalation and harm to the hostages. However, this plan faces objections within the Israeli military leadership, indicating internal tension over the best course of action.
In response to the crisis, German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed shock at the disturbing propaganda videos showing David and Braslavski, and called on the Israeli government not to reciprocate the Hamas' cynicism and continue to provide humanitarian aid to the population in Gaza. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul also condemned the cruelty of the Hamas' tormentors.
The United Nations Security Council held a special session on August 5, 2025, discussing the hostage crisis amid the broader humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. Senior UN officials urged an immediate ceasefire and the safe release of hostages. The international community broadly condemns the taking of hostages and calls for humanitarian access and political solutions to the ongoing conflict.
However, no new information about the status of David and Braslavski, or any potential solutions to the conflict, is currently available. The international community is urged to use all leverage to press for an end to the hostage crisis.
References:
- Human Rights Watch (2025). "Israel/Palestine: Urgent Action Needed to End Gaza Hostage Crisis." [online] Available at: https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/08/01/israelpalestine-urgent-action-needed-end-gaza-hostage-crisis
- ILTV (2025). "Israeli Military Leadership Opposes Netanyahu's Plan for Full Gaza Conquest." [online] Available at: https://iltv.co.il/news/2025/08/israeli-military-leadership-opposes-netanyahus-plan-for-full-gaza-conquest/
- United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (2025). "Statement on the Situation in the Gaza Strip." [online] Available at: https://www.un.org/press/en/2025/sc14379.doc.htm
- United Nations Security Council (2025). "Report of the Secretary-General on the Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question." [online] Available at: https://undocs.org/S/2025/739
The Commission is also proposing to extend the scope of its humanitarian aid program to include the reporting of war-and-conflicts within the Gaza Strip, particularly focusing on the ongoing hostage crisis involving Israeli citizens Evyatar David and Rom Braslavski, who are being held by Palestinian armed groups, and the general consequences of this crisis on the local population's politics and general news.
Following the brutal treatment and depiction in propaganda videos of David and Braslavski, the Commission aims to raise awareness about the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, urge an immediate ceasefire, and push for the safe release and protection of hostages under international law.
