By Hugo Bachega (Jerusalem) & Mallory Moench (London) | August 4, 2025 | BBC News

Western leaders have strongly condemned newly released videos showing emaciated Israeli hostages held in Gaza, calling them disturbing evidence of their deteriorating condition. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has reiterated its urgent demand for immediate access to those still in captivity.

The outcry follows the publication of two distressing videos: one released by Palestinian Islamic Jihad on Thursday showing 21-year-old Rom Braslavski visibly thin and weeping, and another from Hamas on Saturday showing 24-year-old Evyatar David, frail and hollow-eyed in an underground tunnel.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy denounced the footage, calling the scenes “sickening propaganda” and demanding the hostages’ “immediate and unconditional” release.

Israeli officials accused Hamas of intentionally starving hostages. Hamas’s military wing, Al-Qassam Brigades, denied the claims, stating that prisoners receive the same food available to Gaza’s civilians and fighters, amid widespread food shortages.

Red Cross Demands Access

The Red Cross, deeply alarmed by the footage, stated that it was “appalled” by the condition of the captives and again called for access to provide medical care, assess their health, and facilitate family contact. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally appealed to the Red Cross for immediate intervention.

Hamas said it would allow the Red Cross to deliver food and medicine—on the condition that humanitarian corridors are regularly opened and Israeli airstrikes are paused during aid operations.

The Red Cross has faced criticism in Israel for its perceived inability to assist hostages. It has clarified that its role is limited by the cooperation of warring parties. Meanwhile, Palestinians have also voiced frustration, pointing out that Red Cross access to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails has been denied since October 2023.

Hostages in Despair

The two hostages featured in the videos were among those abducted during the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, including at the Nova music festival. Of the 251 people originally taken, 49 remain in captivity, with 27 believed to be dead.

In the video, Braslavski is seen crying, saying he has had no proper food or water and can no longer stand. “I ate three crumbs of falafel,” he says. His family responded with a heartbreaking statement: “They broke Rom. He has been forgotten. Bring him home.”

David, in another video, is shown digging what he says is his own grave, saying he hasn’t eaten for days. His family accused Hamas of “deliberately and cynically starving him in their tunnels — a living skeleton buried alive.”

International Reaction

World leaders echoed condemnation. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the images “shocking,” saying the hostages’ release must be a condition for any ceasefire. French President Emmanuel Macron condemned Hamas for its “abject cruelty” and reaffirmed France’s commitment to securing a ceasefire and humanitarian access. Macron also reiterated support for a two-state solution, noting France, Canada, and the UK are considering recognition of a Palestinian state—moves Israel has sharply criticized.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

The footage emerged as Gaza descends further into a humanitarian catastrophe. UN-backed agencies warn that famine is already unfolding, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting 175 deaths from malnutrition, including 93 children.

Aid organizations and several governments blame Israel’s restrictions on aid delivery for the crisis. Israel denies this, blaming Hamas and insisting that reports of famine are propaganda.

While some Israeli protesters have begun displaying images of starving children, a large part of the Israeli public remains unaware or skeptical of the severity of the crisis.

Mounting Pressure on Israel

Israel is facing increasing international isolation over the war in Gaza. The continued suffering of civilians and the destruction of infrastructure are fueling global outrage, with public opinion in many countries turning against Israel. Governments are now under greater pressure to push for ceasefire negotiations and humanitarian intervention.

Meanwhile, protests in Tel Aviv continue. Families of hostages demand urgent action. “Everyone must get out of hell, now,” said the families of David and Braslavski during a weekend rally.

The crisis remains dire, with no clear resolution in sight.