TEL AVIV — Two Israeli hostages held in Gaza appeared in new videos this week showing visible signs of starvation, triggering international condemnation and renewed calls for humanitarian access. The International Committee of the Red Cross has demanded immediate permission to reach hostages held by Palestinian militants.
In separate footage released by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Rom Braslavski, 21, and Evyatar David, 24, appear emaciated and visibly weak. Both were abducted from the Nova music festival during Hamas’s October 7, 2023, assault on southern Israel.
Israeli officials accused Hamas of deliberately starving the captives. “They managed to break Rom,” his family said in a statement. “He has simply been forgotten there.”
In the video, Braslavski, lying on the ground and crying, says, “I have eaten three crumbs of falafel today. I can’t stand, I can’t walk.” David, seen crouched in a tunnel, says, “I haven’t eaten for days. I barely got water.” He holds a stick and explains that he is digging his own grave.
Both videos have circulated widely online and were confirmed by Israeli officials. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to the families and described the scenes as “profoundly shocking.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would “continue efforts constantly and relentlessly” to secure the hostages’ return.
Western leaders reacted swiftly. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy called the images “sickening,” demanding the hostages be released without conditions. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he was “appalled,” while French President Emmanuel Macron labeled the scenes “abject cruelty.”
President Macron also reiterated support for a ceasefire tied to the release of hostages, along with efforts to increase humanitarian access. President Macron said, “France continues to work tirelessly for their release,” adding that long-term peace requires a two-state solution.
The International Committee of the Red Cross said it was “appalled” by the videos and described them as “stark evidence of the life-threatening conditions in which the hostages are being held.” The agency called for immediate access to all captives to provide medical care, assess their conditions, and enable contact with families.
Hamas’s armed wing, Al-Qassam Brigades, issued a statement claiming it is willing to allow food and medicine deliveries for hostages if airstrikes are paused and humanitarian corridors are opened permanently.
The Red Cross, however, has come under criticism in Israel for its limited involvement. Officials and hostage families have accused the organization of failing to assist those still held in Gaza. The Red Cross has explained that it operates based on agreements with both sides, which are currently not in place.
Crowds gathered again this weekend in Tel Aviv, where families of the hostages held a rally. Holding signs and photos, demonstrators demanded urgent action. “Everyone must get out of hell, now,” said David’s relatives. Some protesters displayed images of starving children to highlight the broader humanitarian crisis.
Israel says 49 hostages remain in Gaza. Of those, 27 are believed to be dead. The fate of the others remains uncertain.
The hostage videos come amid worsening conditions in Gaza. The Hamas-run Health Ministry reports 175 deaths from malnutrition since the war began, including 93 children. UN agencies warn that famine is unfolding, with starvation now a daily reality.
On Sunday, Israeli troops opened fire near two aid distribution points in Gaza, killing 27 Palestinians, according to local hospitals. The IDF has not commented on the incident.
Israeli officials deny responsibility for the hunger crisis. They claim Hamas is obstructing aid and manipulating narratives for international sympathy. Still, images of skeletal children and reports from humanitarian agencies have drawn global criticism.
Despite growing evidence, parts of the Israeli government and media reject claims of famine, insisting they are falsehoods spread by Hamas and international outlets.
As the war drags on, Israel faces increasing diplomatic pressure. Public opinion in many countries has shifted sharply, prompting leaders to reconsider their support. Canada, France, and the UK have signaled intentions to recognize a Palestinian state under certain conditions moves strongly opposed by Israel in September.
The release of the hostage videos has intensified calls for a ceasefire and broader peace talks, though no breakthroughs have been confirmed.
For now, families of hostages and civilians in Gaza continue to bear the brunt of a conflict that shows no sign of ending.
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