Evyatar David Starved by Hamas: Family Urges Worldwide Action opens a harrowing story of deliberate starvation, terrifying propaganda and international disgrace. Twenty‑four‑year‑old David, kidnapped during the October 7, 2023 Nova Festival attack, has been shown in recent videos so emaciated that he appears skeletal, forced to dig what he describes as his own grave. His family has accused Hamas of starving him as part of a grotesque campaign to apply pressure in stalled negotiations. As global outrage mounts and diplomatic efforts intensify, the fate of Evyatar David may now hinge on swift action by world leaders.
A Living Skeleton in Gaza’s Tunnels
In the latest footage released by Hamas, David appears in an underground tunnel, visibly weakened to the point of collapse. He is seen using a shovel to dig a hole—and hauntingly says, “What I’m doing now is digging my own grave.” Analysts have pointed to the stark visual and emotional symbolism as part of what they call a propaganda-driven attempt to influence negotiations. The clip follows another released just a day earlier showing him in a similarly frail and wretched state.
David was among the roughly 250 hostages taken during the October 7 attack, and is one of an estimated 20 still believed alive today. Media confirm that dozens have already been released, many have died, and others remain unaccounted for.
Family’s Condemnation and Emergency Plea
David’s family has issued a scathing statement, calling the treatment a “horrifying propaganda campaign” and accusing Hamas of deliberately starving him solely for media manipulation. They have warned that he may have only “a few days left to live” unless immediate steps are taken to secure his release and ensure he receives food and medical care.
At a mass rally in Tel Aviv, thousands — many of them relatives of hostages — carried posters and voiced their outrage. David’s brother Ilay echoed the family’s words, calling for urgent rescue efforts and more humanitarian aid to reach captives.
Allegations of Unequal Access to Aid
Former hostage Tal Shoham, who once shared captivity with David, revealed disturbing details: while David and other hostages were starving, guards reportedly lived comfortably. Shoham described how terrorists had air conditioning, cable TV, and plenty of food—some allegedly taken from humanitarian aid deliveries intended for Gaza’s civilians. These allegations underscore claims that Hamas may be selectively withholding aid to apply political pressure.
Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, have echoed the family’s condemnation. Netanyahu accused Hamas of a “sadistic abuse” campaign and asserted that Israel is allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza, while placing blame squarely on Hamas for starving both hostages and civilians.
Global Diplomacy and Breaking Deadlocks
As hostages’ families appeal for international help, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Tel Aviv to meet with relatives. He announced a growing consensus with Israeli leadership on a unified plan to bring all remaining hostages home, emphasizing that piecemeal releases will no longer suffice. He described the initiative as a step toward ending the war and rebuilding Gaza.
Despite these efforts, Hamas has maintained its position—refusing to disarm unless Israel recognizes a fully sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. Previous talks toward a 60-day ceasefire had already stalled before the release of the recent videos.
Humanitarian Crisis Intensifies in Gaza
Meanwhile, Gaza itself is slipping deeper into famine. UN and aid organizations report catastrophic food insecurity, especially impacting children. Long waits, blocked convoys, and restricted border access have left the civilian population desperate. Deaths from hunger-related causes continue to rise, adding urgency to international relief efforts.
The humanitarian pressure has prompted intervention from nations like the UK, which is preparing to evacuate seriously ill children for treatment abroad, and from the EU, which has joined in calling for an immediate ceasefire and increased aid access.
Why the World Must Act Now
Evyatar David’s condition speaks to the brutal human toll of the Gaza conflict—but it also highlights a broader moral imperative. Propaganda videos may aim to shift global perception, but they have instead sparked outrage and solidarity across media, diplomatic channels, and civil societies. They underscore a key truth: facilitating humanitarian aid, negotiating in good faith, and prioritizing lives over political leverage are essential steps toward resolving this crisis.
As the family pleads and global calls for a ceasefire mount, the survival of a young man hinges on immediate and coordinated action. His survival—or tragic death—could not only determine his fate, but also signal whether diplomacy can overcome despair.
Conclusion
The distressing footage of Evyatar David, warned of his imminent death, and the international outcry that followed — all reveal both the depths of the Gaza tragedy and the critical role that diplomacy and humanitarian law continue to play. The family’s version of events, backed by first‑hand accounts and expert investigations, paints a clear picture: one of deliberate starvation and use as leverage. The international community now stands at a crossroads. Will leaders respond swiftly enough to save a young man whose life has become a symbol in a struggle far beyond himself? The Times
Time is running out. The world needs to act decisively to free David and the other hostages—and to prevent more suffering in Gaza.
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