Netanyahu Expresses Deep Shock Over Hamas Hostage Videos Amid Rising Gaza Humanitarian Crisis

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed deep shock upon viewing videos released by Hamas depicting two emaciated hostages in Gaza, prompting widespread international condemnation and calls for action. The clips, shared over recent days, feature Rom Braslavski, a 21-year-old German-Israeli, and Evyatar David, 24, both appearing visibly weakened and malnourished. These images have intensified Israeli demands for an immediate ceasefire and the swift release of all remaining captives, amid ongoing hostilities that have persisted for nearly 22 months. Netanyahu's office stated that he had contacted the families of the hostages, emphasizing ongoing efforts to secure their return and condemning the terror groups' dissemination of the footage. Concurrently, tens of thousands gathered in Tel Aviv to urge the government to expedite hostage negotiations. The videos also highlight the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where UN experts warn of an unfolding famine. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas condemned the scenes as barbaric, calling for the unconditional and immediate release of all hostages and demanding Hamas disarm and relinquish control of Gaza. She stre...