Israel Calls For Immediate International Action Following Release Of Hostage Video

The Embassy of Israel in New Zealand is today responding to recent coverage of video footage showing 24-year-old Israeli hostage Evyatar David.

Evyatar was kidnapped, by Hamas, from the Nova music festival in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, and has now been held in captivity in Gaza for 668 days. He is one of 50 hostages currently being held in underground tunnels.

In the recently released video, Evyatar appears severely malnourished, struggling to walk and speak. He is seen shirtless, visibly emaciated, and crossing out days on a wall calendar marked with the phrase “ein ochel”—Hebrew for “no food.” In one of the most harrowing moments of the footage, he is forced to dig his own grave under the watch of his captors.

Meanwhile, the terrorists visible in the footage appear well-fed and in good health. This stark contrast reveals what cannot be ignored: Evyatar’s starvation is not incidental—it is deliberate. This is a tactic of coercion and abuse, and a clear violation of international humanitarian law.

The Embassy also notes that Gaza’s Health Ministry, frequently cited in international media reports, has remained silent regarding the status of Israeli hostages. This is of particular concern given that the ministry is directly controlled by Hamas—the very organisation responsible for these violations.

There is no shortage of food or aid entering Gaza. According to COGAT, over the past week alone, 1,200 trucks carrying more than 23,000 tons of humanitarian supplies entered Gaza. Another 1,200 trucks were distributed by the UN and aid organisations, with hundreds more awaiting pickup. In total, more than 96 million meals have been delivered into Gaza in the past 2.5 months.

Recent data also confirms the delivery of over 50,000 tons of food aid and 4,000 tons of baby formula in recent weeks. There are no restrictions on food or aid entry.

This aid is meant for civilians. The condition of Evyatar David shows that those holding the hostages are choosing to withhold it.

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