The release of distressing propaganda videos by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad this week triggered widespread outrage in Israel. The footage showed hostages Evyatar David and Rom Braslavski in a visibly deteriorated condition, highlighting the ongoing suffering of those still held in Gaza.
The videos, timed with stalled ceasefire talks, aimed to intensify pressure on Israeli and international negotiators while drawing a stark contrast with Gaza’s own starvation crisis.
In response, tens of thousands of protestors gathered in Tel Aviv’s “Hostage Square” on Saturday to demand urgent action from the Israeli government and international community. Families of the remaining hostages, believed to number around 50, voiced deep frustration and fear for their loved ones’ lives. Emotional appeals called on leaders to secure a deal that would end the war and bring the hostages home without further delay.
U.S. Envoy Urges Unified Deal as Families Demand Urgent End to Hostage Crisis
United States special envoy Steve Witkoff participated in Saturday’s demonstration and later met privately with hostage families. He advocated for an “all or nothing” approach to ceasefire negotiations, urging a deal that would see the release of all 50 hostages at once.
Witkoff stressed that the goal is to end the war entirely, adding that the U.S. plans to hold Hamas accountable for any harm inflicted on the hostages while pursuing a broader humanitarian solution for Gaza.
Hostage relatives described the trauma of recognizing their loved ones in the videos. Ofir Braslavski said he barely recognized his son, Rom, whose frailty shocked him. David’s brother, Ilay, condemned the treatment of hostages as “barbaric” and urged Israeli and U.S. leaders to act immediately. Many families condemned the current phased negotiation strategy as a failure and demanded a unified agreement to end the conflict and repatriate all hostages.
Israel Vows Hostage Rescue as Gaza Teeters on Brink of Full Humanitarian Collapse
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed horror at the videos and reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to bringing home the hostages. He denounced Hamas for exploiting both their captives and the suffering of Gazans for propaganda purposes. Israel’s military chief, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, warned that if negotiations collapse, operations in Gaza will continue “without rest,” signaling a potential escalation should talks remain stalled.
While political and military tensions rise, Gaza continues to spiral into humanitarian collapse. A UN-backed food security agency issued its starkest warning yet, citing imminent famine. Hospitals are operating beyond capacity, and in the last 24 hours alone, seven people, including one child, reportedly died from malnutrition.
Aid shortages are proving deadly, with dozens killed or injured while waiting for food, highlighting the urgent need for a lasting resolution.
