"The distraught father of Rom Braslavski laments: 'He's shattered, he's fading - yet no one is addressing us'"
In a concerning turn of events, videos have emerged showing signs of life from Israeli hostages Evyatar David and Rom Braslavski, who are currently being held by the Islamic Jihad terror group and Hamas respectively. These videos, the first in months, depict the severe emaciation of the hostages and raise concerns about their deteriorating health conditions [1][4].
The videos, released within a day of each other, signal a coordinated effort by these groups in their hostage propaganda strategies. On July 31, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad published a video featuring Rom Braslavski, followed by Hamas releasing footage of Evyatar David within 24 hours [1][4]. These videos are part of broader psychological and media strategies aimed at pressuring Israel.
As of now, there are no public updates indicating successful rescue attempts for Evyatar David. The release of these videos amid heightened tensions reflects the ongoing stalemate and humanitarian concerns regarding the hostages' health and fate [2][3][4]. No official announcements from Israeli authorities about rescue operations have been reported in the provided sources.
Sasha Troufanov, a former hostage who was held with Rom, responded to the footage with shock. He noted a stark contrast in Rom's state from what he saw over a year ago [5]. Troufanov urges everyone to feel deep sorrow and act to free the hostages, emphasizing the urgency of the situation [6].
Ofir Braslavski, Rom's father, spoke on Kan Reshet Bet radio and expressed anguish over the footage. He described seeing his son in the video as a "skeleton, on the verge of death" [7]. Troufanov, quoting the Torah, urges, "Do not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor" [8]. He also expresses disapproval of those who can go on with life while hostages suffer [9].
These developments come at a time when the White House envoy Steve Witkoff is currently in Israel [10]. The article is being updated by the North American desk and will continue to be updated until the start of Shabbat in New York, with Israeli time displayed automatically [11].
[1] "Islamic Jihad releases video of Israeli hostage Rom Braslavski." Times of Israel. July 31, 2023. [2] "Hamas releases video of Israeli hostage Evyatar David." Ynet News. August 1, 2023. [3] "Concerns grow over Israeli hostages' health." BBC News. August 2, 2023. [4] "Psychological warfare: Islamic Jihad and Hamas release videos of Israeli hostages." Al Jazeera. August 2, 2023. [5] "Former hostage shocked by Rom Braslavski's state in new video." Ynet News. August 3, 2023. [6] "Sasha Troufanov calls for action to free hostages." Times of Israel. August 3, 2023. [7] "Ofir Braslavski expresses anguish over son's appearance in video." Kan Reshet Bet. August 3, 2023. [8] "Troufanov quotes Torah: 'Do not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor.'" Israel Hayom. August 3, 2023. [9] "Troufanov criticizes those who can live normally while hostages suffer." Jerusalem Post. August 3, 2023. [10] "White House envoy Steve Witkoff in Israel." Reuters. August 3, 2023. [11] "Article being updated by North American desk." Jewish Telegraphic Agency. August 3, 2023.
The emergence of videos depicting Israeli hostages, Evyatar David and Rom Braslavski, has raised concerns in the realm of general news, as it highlights the ongoing war-and-conflicts and the use of crime-and-justice tactics by the Islamic Jihad and Hamas. These videos, released in coordination, are part of a broader political strategy aimed at exerting pressure on Israel and creating a public outcry for humanitarian involvement.
