The family of Evyatar David, an Israeli hostage in Gaza, has publicly condemned Hamas for allegedly using his dire condition as a propaganda instrument. The distressing claim follows the release of a video in which Evyatar, 24, appears emaciated, revealing he has received little food or water since his capture during a music festival on October 7, 2023. They urged both the Israeli government and the global community to take action to secure his release. Amid these tensions, ongoing conflict has led to reports of malnutrition-related deaths among Gaza's population, further complicating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Family of Israeli Hostage Claims Hamas Utilizes Starvation as Propaganda Tool
Family of Israeli Hostage Claims Hamas Utilizes Starvation as Propaganda Tool
The family of Evyatar David, an Israeli captive held by Hamas, accuses the group of deliberately starving him to leverage propaganda against Israel.
In a poignant statement, Evyatar David's family expressed their anguish, saying, "He is being starved purely to serve Hamas's propaganda." The video shared by Hamas depicts the young man in a confined concrete tunnel, where he is heard stating that he hasn't eaten for days and is preparing to dig a grave for himself. "We are forced to witness our beloved son and brother, Evyatar David, deliberately and cynically starved in Hamas's tunnels in Gaza - a living skeleton, buried alive," the family lamented.
Evyatar David is one of many individuals captured by Hamas during its assault; he is among 49 remaining hostages in Gaza, with numerous others believed to have perished. The Israeli government is under mounting pressure to address the hostages' situation while facing accusations from various aid organizations regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
These organizations allege that Israel’s actions have contributed to a dire food shortage in the territory. While Israel denies these claims, asserting that it has not imposed starvation on Gaza, the situation remains grave. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that no starvation was taking place and that efforts were ongoing to enhance humanitarian aid, with a recent airdrop of food packages to residents in need.
Contradictory reports continue to surface about the deaths attributed to malnutrition. According to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry, at least seven individuals, including a child, succumbed to malnutrition in recent days, bringing the total number of deaths due to the lack of food to 169 since the onset of the conflict.
Reports also indicated heavy casualties among Gazans due to Israeli military offensives, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The situation in Gaza remains complex and dangerous, as the IDF reiterated its commitment to protecting hostages while maintaining its military operations against Hamas.
With reporters unable to enter Gaza independently due to restrictions imposed by Israel, verification of claims from both sides remains a challenge. The international community watches closely as the conflict continues to evolve, leaving the fate of hostages and civilians hanging in the balance.
Evyatar David is one of many individuals captured by Hamas during its assault; he is among 49 remaining hostages in Gaza, with numerous others believed to have perished. The Israeli government is under mounting pressure to address the hostages' situation while facing accusations from various aid organizations regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
These organizations allege that Israel’s actions have contributed to a dire food shortage in the territory. While Israel denies these claims, asserting that it has not imposed starvation on Gaza, the situation remains grave. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that no starvation was taking place and that efforts were ongoing to enhance humanitarian aid, with a recent airdrop of food packages to residents in need.
Contradictory reports continue to surface about the deaths attributed to malnutrition. According to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry, at least seven individuals, including a child, succumbed to malnutrition in recent days, bringing the total number of deaths due to the lack of food to 169 since the onset of the conflict.
Reports also indicated heavy casualties among Gazans due to Israeli military offensives, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The situation in Gaza remains complex and dangerous, as the IDF reiterated its commitment to protecting hostages while maintaining its military operations against Hamas.
With reporters unable to enter Gaza independently due to restrictions imposed by Israel, verification of claims from both sides remains a challenge. The international community watches closely as the conflict continues to evolve, leaving the fate of hostages and civilians hanging in the balance.
