Thousands of protestors flooded Tel Aviv’s “Hostage Square” on Saturday in a poignant demonstration spurred by the release of distressing propaganda videos showing emaciated Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. The videos, released by militant groups Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, feature hostages Evyatar David and Rom Braslavski, both appearing visibly frail and vulnerable. These images intensify fears surrounding the wellbeing of the fifty hostages remaining in Gaza, amidst escalating humanitarian crises in the region.
The release of the undated footage comes at a critical juncture, as ceasefire negotiations remain stalled while the Palestinian population grapples with a deepening starvation crisis. According to estimates, at least 20 of the 50 hostages are believed to still be alive.
Among the notable attendees at the demonstration was Steve Witkoff, the United States’ special envoy to the Middle East. His presence in the public plaza, following a visit to a controversial US-backed aid distribution site in Gaza, reflects an urgency to reassess the evolving crisis.
During an emotionally charged meeting with nearly 40 representatives of the hostage families, Witkoff underscored the necessity of changing the hostage negotiation approach to an “all or nothing” strategy, aiming to secure the return of all 50 hostages in a singular deal. “The plan is not to expand the war, but to end it,” he stated. “We think the negotiations should be changed to all or nothing. End the war and bring all 50 hostages home at the same time – that’s the only way,” remarked Witkoff, highlighting the dire context of the ongoing conflict.
The families of the hostages, who have consistently expressed concern that the intense fighting in Gaza imperils their loved ones, echoed this sentiment during the protest. “Against the backdrop of horrifying footage and harsh reports about the hostages’ condition – hostage families will cry out this morning in the heart of Tel Aviv,” they declared in a statement. “We appeal to the Israeli government and the US administration – look our loved ones – and us – in the eyes.”
In a stark warning, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir indicated that military operations would persist in Gaza if hostage negotiations falter. “I estimate that in the coming days we will know whether we will succeed in reaching a partial deal for the release of our captives. If not, the fighting will continue without rest,” he affirmed.
Recent videos released by Hamas depict 24-year-old Evyatar David in a confined cell, revealing the gravity of his situation. Initially, concerns surrounding the use of such footage were raised, but the family ultimately consented to its release as the reality of the hostages’ conditions became impossible to ignore. In a similar vein, Palestinian Islamic Jihad shared a video of Rom Braslavski, underscoring the despair of his family. “Did you see our Rom? He is not receiving food, he is not receiving medicine. He has simply been forgotten there,” lamented Braslavski’s family, issuing an urgent plea for intervention from the US administration.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains alarming, with reports indicating that seven individuals, including a child, succumbed to malnutrition in the past 24 hours alone. This brings the total death toll from starvation since the onset of the conflict to 169, while ongoing violence continues to claim lives and injuries among those awaiting crucial aid.