**Israel’s Gaza War: Hamas Releases Disturbing Footage of Emaciated Hostages**
A chilling video released by Hamas has left the family of a 24-year-old Israeli hostage, Evyatar, devastated. The footage shows Evyatar, who was released on Saturday, looking like a “human skeleton” – a stark reminder of the dire conditions he endured during his captivity.
In an interview with the BBC, Ilay, Evyatar’s brother, described the devastating impact of seeing his sibling’s emaciated state. “He’s like a human skeleton,” Ilay said. “He barely can’t move, he barely speaks.” The family has urged world leaders to take immediate action to secure the release of all hostages, including those still held in Gaza.
The Hamas footage is just one example of the cruel treatment meted out to Israeli hostages. Another video released by Palestinian Islamic Jihad showed Rom Braslavski, a thin hostage who was crying and seen digging his own grave. Both men were abducted during the Hamas attack on southern Israel in October 2023.
**A New Form of Cruelty?**
The release of these disturbing videos has sparked outrage among Israeli leaders and ordinary citizens. The family of Evyatar has called for world leaders to come together to save their loved one and other hostages from “the cruel, twisted Hamas hands”.
“This is a new form of cruelty,” said Mr David, referring to the treatment meted out to his brother. “It’s the lowest thing you can do.” The UN-backed experts have warned that famine is currently playing out in Gaza, making conditions for hostages even more desperate.
**International Pressure Grows**
The release of these videos has also sparked international pressure on Israel to end its military campaign in Gaza. A group of 600 retired Israeli security officers have written a letter to US President Donald Trump urging him to press Israel to end the war immediately and secure the release of all hostages.
“It’s our professional judgment that Hamas does not pose a strategic danger to Israel,” said Ami Ayalon, a former Shin Bet chief. “At first, this was a defensive war. But when we achieved our military objectives, it ceased to be a justified war.”
**Humanitarian Crisis Deepens**
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen, with over 60,000 people killed and more than 180 deaths reported due to malnutrition since the war began. The Hamas-run health ministry reports that at least 94 people were killed in Gaza on Monday, including dozens who died in Israeli strikes.
As the international community grapples with how to resolve this crisis, one thing is clear: the situation in Gaza remains dire and demands urgent attention from world leaders.
Read More @ www.bbc.com
