The UK and French leaders have expressed outrage over recently released videos showing two Israeli hostages in Gaza appearing emaciated and distressed. The videos, released separately by Hamas and Islamic Jihad, show Rom Braslavski, 21, and Evyatar David, 24, visibly weakened and in distress. Both were abducted from the Nova music festival on 7 October 2023 during the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the footage as “profoundly shocking” and pledged to the hostages’ families that efforts to secure their release will continue constantly and relentlessly. He also urged the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to intervene to provide food and medical support to those still in captivity. The ICRC called the footage “stark evidence of the life-threatening conditions” the hostages are facing and called for immediate access to assess their condition, offer care, and facilitate contact with their families. A total of 49 hostages remain in Gaza, with 27 presumed to be dead.
European leaders express concern over Hamas’ videos of Israeli hostages in Gaza, stating they are “sickening.”
