Israel calls for heightened focus on hostages, citing recent Hamas propaganda material - Israel urges increased focus on hostages featured in Hamas propagandistic video content
In the Gaza Strip, approximately 50 hostages remain captive, with around 20 believed to be still alive, as reported by various sources[1][2][4]. These individuals are reportedly in extremely harsh and degrading conditions, as illustrated by recent disturbing videos showing some of the last living hostages in emaciated and weakened states, forced into degrading situations such as digging their own graves[1][2][4].
International organizations and governments are actively engaged in efforts to secure their release. The United Nations Security Council has held urgent briefings on the hostage crisis, reiterating calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages[2]. These calls align with the outcome of a July 2025 High-level International Conference on the Palestinian question, which urged Hamas to release the hostages as part of progress toward a ceasefire and political resolution[2].
Notably, the League of Arab States endorsed this position, marking a significant formal stance against Hamas retaining hostages[2]. Countries such as France and the UK support these diplomatic efforts and emphasize addressing the broader humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where aid access restrictions have triggered worsening famine and malnutrition, putting vulnerable populations, especially children, at acute risk[2].
Hamas has indicated a willingness in principle to exchange all hostages for a ceasefire, but no comprehensive release has yet occurred[3]. The group has stated that it would only allow the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) access to the hostages if humanitarian corridors for aid deliveries were opened in the Gaza Strip[1].
Israel's Foreign Minister, Saar, has called for an end to the kidnapping of civilians, focusing on the dire situation of hostages in Gaza at a UN Security Council meeting[1]. Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Chief of the Chancellor's Office Norbert Frei have expressed shock and called for an end to the poor treatment of hostages in the Gaza Strip[1].
Meanwhile, the German Armed Forces, along with Jordan, have established an air bridge to supply aid to the Gaza Strip, with five flights carrying about 43 tons of aid as of Monday morning[1]. The German government has faced growing criticism from its representatives for its stance on Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip, particularly in light of the humanitarian crisis there[1].
The war in the Gaza Strip is now considered "no longer fair" and is leading to the loss of Israel's security and identity, according to an open letter signed by 550 former Israeli security officials, including three former heads of the Mossad, five former heads of the Shin Bet, and former Prime Minister Ehud Barak[1]. The letter urges US President Donald Trump to end the war in the Gaza Strip and emphasizes the most important remaining goal for Israel as the return of all hostages, which can only be achieved through an agreement[1].
The ICRC has not commented on any possible support for the hostages, but has reaffirmed its demand for access to them[1]. The ICRC delegation in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories has expressed shock over the hostage videos and reaffirmed its demand for access to the hostages but did not comment on any possible ICRC support for the hostages[1].
References:
[1] The Guardian. (2025, August 4). Germany and Jordan set up air bridge to Gaza as crisis deepens. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/04/germany-and-jordan-set-up-air-bridge-to-gaza-as-crisis-deepens
[2] Reuters. (2025, July 28). UN Security Council condemns Gaza hostage crisis, calls for immediate release of captives. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/un-security-council-condemns-gaza-hostage-crisis-calls-immediate-release-2025-07-28/
[3] Al Jazeera. (2025, July 27). Hamas rejects Israeli demands for hostage release, says talks ongoing. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/27/hamas-rejects-israeli-demands-for-hostage-release-says-talks-ongoing
[4] Haaretz. (2025, August 3). Disturbing new video shows Gaza hostage Evyatar David digging his own grave. Retrieved from https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/gaza/.premium-disturbing-new-video-shows-gaza-hostage-evyatar-david-digging-his-own-grave-1.102225808
The European Union, recognizing its responsibility, should actively pursue diplomatic measures to ensure that its foreign policy, centering on the Gaza Strip hostage crisis, is fully implemented. The ongoing war-and-conflicts, politics, general-news, and crime-and-justice implications demand immediate attention and resolution, with a particular focus on the release of captives.
