Evyatar David's family claims Hamas is deliberately starving him, as evidenced by a recent video showing his deteriorating condition. As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens, the Israeli government faces criticism over its response to the alleged starvation and ongoing conflict.
Family of Israeli Hostage Accuses Hamas of Starvation Tactics
Family of Israeli Hostage Accuses Hamas of Starvation Tactics
The family of Evyatar David, an Israeli hostage, condemns Hamas for releasing a video showing the emaciated young man, claiming he is being deliberately starved for propaganda.
The family of Evyatar David, a 24-year-old Israeli hostage held by Hamas, has strongly criticized the group for releasing a disturbing video that shows him in a severely malnourished state, suggesting that he is being purposely starved as part of a calculated propaganda effort. In their statement, they described their son as "a living skeleton" trapped within the confines of Hamas's tunnels, urging both the Israeli government and the global community to take urgent measures for his release.
In the video shared by Hamas, David is seen and heard lamenting his lack of food and water, expressing despair as he appears to dig what he claims will be his own grave. He has been in captivity since he was abducted during a music festival in southern Israel on October 7, 2023—a date marking the beginning of heightened violence in the region, which resulted in the detention of hundreds of hostages.
As part of the ongoing conflict, humanitarian agencies have leveled accusations against Israel, alleging that it is pushing Gaza towards famine through a deliberate blockade of essential supplies—a charge Israel vehemently denies. In response to the crisis, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have reportedly taken measures to improve the humanitarian response, claiming to have airdropped multiple aid packages containing food into Gaza within the past few days, in conjunction with assistance from several international partners.
Tragically, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, as the territory's health ministry reported additional deaths due to malnutrition, raising the total to 169 since the onset of conflict, which includes a significant number of children. Reports from Al-Awda Hospital indicate casualties from the IDF's military actions, with ongoing concerns about safety amidst aid distribution efforts.
The IDF, while maintaining that its operations do not directly target civilians, is facing increased scrutiny, particularly as communications remain restricted and reporting within Gaza is hampered by a blockade that has been in effect since early March. As tensions persist and both sides grapple with the humanitarian fallout, Evyatar David's plight remains a haunting reminder of the human cost of this longstanding conflict.
