Intensifying Calls for Merz: Mounting Pressure, Calls for Sanctions towards Israel, Hamas Releases Video Evidence
In the troubled region of Gaza, the number of hostages held by the Islamist group Hamas remains at 49-50, with reports suggesting that 27 or 28 of them may have perished[1][2][5]. The situation has sparked intense international concern, with the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) holding urgent briefings, urging Hamas for the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages as a prerequisite for ceasefire and political progress[2][4][5].
The plight of the hostages has been highlighted by the Forum of Hostages' Families, who have been urging the Israeli government to sign a comprehensive agreement that would return all hostages and bring an end to the fighting[3]. The family of Eviatar David, one of the hostages, has also joined the call, with his brother appealing to the Israeli government, world leaders, and U.S. President Donald Trump to secure the hostages' release "by all necessary means"[6].
The David family consented to the release of a Hamas propaganda video featuring Eviatar, in which he is seen digging his own grave in a narrow tunnel. In the video, Eviatar addresses Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying, "I have been completely abandoned by you, you who should care for me and all the other prisoners"[7].
The situation has led to widespread unrest in Israel, with thousands of protesters demonstrating in Tel Aviv and near military headquarters, demanding the release of all hostages[3]. Reports indicate that 60,000 participants were part of the protest, making it one of the highest turnouts in recent weeks[8]. People also took to the streets in other Israeli cities, as the growing frustration and despair over the ongoing hostage crisis becomes palpable.
The Israeli military is cautiously weighing a full Gaza ground operation, but officials warn that such an action poses heavy risks to the hostages' lives, as Hamas may execute captives if Israeli forces approach their locations[3]. The military has avoided operating in areas believed to hold hostages to mitigate this danger.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is worsening, with escalating malnutrition and deaths due to restricted aid entry, adding urgency to the international calls for resolution[1][2]. As the crisis continues, the world watches and hopes for a peaceful and swift resolution to this tragic situation.
[1] Times of Israel, "Gaza hostage crisis: 49-50 hostages remain in Hamas custody, 27-28 believed dead", August 3, 2025. [2] Reuters, "UN Security Council calls for immediate release of Gaza hostages", August 4, 2025. [3] Haaretz, "Thousands protest in Israel over Gaza hostage crisis", August 5, 2025. [4] Al Jazeera, "Arab League calls for immediate release of Gaza hostages", August 6, 2025. [5] Associated Press, "UN urges immediate release of Gaza hostages", August 7, 2025. [6] Jerusalem Post, "Eviatar David's brother calls for hostages' release", August 3, 2025. [7] Times of Israel, "Propaganda video shows Eviatar David digging his own grave in Gaza tunnel", August 4, 2025. [8] Jerusalem Post, "60,000 protest in Israel over Gaza hostage crisis", August 5, 2025.
The Forum of Hostages' Families, in the context of the Gaza hostage crisis, has called for the Israeli government to negotiate a comprehensive agreement that would prioritize the return of all hostages and bring an end to the fighting, thereby contributing to general news. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has expressed concerns about the crisis, emphasizing the need for Hamas to release the hostages unconditionally as a prerequisite for political progress, aligning this issue with war-and-conflicts.
