Daijiworld Media Network - Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv, Aug 3: In a deeply disturbing video released by the Palestinian group Hamas, Israeli hostage Evyatar David, 24, is seen visibly emaciated and digging what he describes as his own grave in an underground tunnel. The video, circulated within 48 hours of a previous clip, has sparked fresh outrage in Israel and intensified calls for urgent government action.

In the footage, David, skeletal and frail, is shown with a shovel inside a narrow tunnel, struggling to speak. “What I'm doing now is digging my own grave,” he says in Hebrew, barely audible. “Every day my body becomes weaker and weaker... Time is running out to be released and be able to sleep in my bed with my family.” He breaks down in tears at the end of his statement.

The family of David, who was taken hostage during the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has authorised the release of the video. “The deliberate starvation of our son as part of a propaganda campaign is one of the most horrifying acts the world has seen,” the family said in a statement.

David is one of 49 hostages still held in Gaza by Hamas and allied factions. The October 7 attack killed 1,219 people in Israel, mostly civilians. In retaliation, Israel launched a massive offensive in Gaza, which has so far claimed over 60,000 lives.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who spoke with David’s family after the video's release, expressed his "profound shock" and reaffirmed that the government is working "constantly and relentlessly" to bring the hostages home. “Hamas is deliberately starving our hostages and publicising it in a cynical and evil manner,” he said.

In addition, a separate video was released showing Rom Braslavski, 21, a dual German-Israeli citizen, also appearing severely malnourished. Both videos have intensified pressure on the Israeli government to restart negotiations for the hostages' release.

Tens of thousands of Israelis rallied in Tel Aviv on Saturday night, demanding immediate action. It was one of the largest demonstrations since the war began.