In an alarming and deeply disturbing development, Hamas has released a video showing Israeli hostage Evyatar David digging his own grave in what appears to be an underground tunnel in Gaza. The footage, which was shared on Saturday, August 3, 2025, has drawn global condemnation and intensified calls for swift international intervention to ensure the release of hostages still held by the militant group.

The 24-year-old Israeli citizen was among those kidnapped by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, attacks on Southern Israel, a day that marked one of the deadliest terror strikes in Israeli history. David is now believed to be one of 49 Israeli nationals still held captive in Gaza by the militant organization.

In the chilling video, a visibly frail and weak David is seen using a shovel to dig a hole in the ground. Speaking in Hebrew, he states:

"What I'm doing now is digging my own grave. Every day, my body becomes weaker and weaker. I'm walking directly to my grave... Time is running out to be released and be able to sleep in my bed with my family."

Family’s Emotional Plea and Response

In response to the horrifying footage, David’s family issued an emotional statement condemning Hamas for what they described as "deliberate psychological and physical torture."

"We are forced to witness our beloved son and brother, Evyatar David, deliberately and cynically starved in Hamas's tunnels in Gaza—a living skeleton, buried alive," the family stated, adding that the group’s aim is to use their son as a pawn in a cruel propaganda campaign.

The video has sparked deep outrage among Israeli citizens and international observers alike. The family appealed to both the Israeli government and the broader international community to "do everything possible" to secure the safe return of David and all other hostages.

Netanyahu Responds to the Situation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally spoke to the families of Evyatar David and another hostage, Rom Braslavski, over the weekend. His office released a statement confirming that Netanyahu had expressed “profound shock” upon viewing the video and emphasized his administration's commitment to securing the release of all captives.

“The cruelty of Hamas has no boundaries,” Netanyahu declared. “While the State of Israel is allowing the entry of humanitarian aid to the residents of Gaza, the terrorists of Hamas are deliberately starving our hostages and documenting them in a cynical and evil manner.”

He went on to call upon the international community to take a “firm and unequivocal stand” against what he described as "criminal Nazi abuse" being carried out by Hamas.

Global Reactions and Humanitarian Concerns

The video has not only raised concerns over the fate of the hostages but also about the conditions in which they are being held. Observers from multiple humanitarian organizations have pointed out that the footage indicates signs of severe starvation, psychological torture, and violation of international human rights norms.

Human rights watchdogs, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have condemned the use of captives in psychological warfare, stressing that such tactics violate the Geneva Conventions and amount to war crimes.

International leaders, including U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, have also weighed in. Blinken reiterated the U.S. stance on the unconditional release of all hostages and condemned Hamas’ ongoing hostage strategy as “reprehensible and unlawful.”

Background on the October 7 Attacks and Hostage Crisis

The October 7 attacks carried out by Hamas involved coordinated assaults on civilian settlements in Southern Israel, resulting in hundreds of deaths and dozens of kidnappings. Many of the hostages were taken deep into the Gaza Strip and held in a labyrinth of underground tunnels that are notoriously difficult for Israeli intelligence and special forces to access.

While some hostages have since been released through negotiated deals and ceasefire agreements, 49 individuals are still believed to be held by Hamas, including men, women, and even children. Among them is Evyatar David, whose latest video has reignited discussions on how best to approach the delicate and dangerous task of negotiating their release.

The Use of Psychological Warfare by Hamas

The release of the video of David digging his own grave is seen by experts as part of Hamas’ broader psychological warfare strategy. Military analysts note that such footage is intended to pressure the Israeli public, provoke emotional distress among families, and force political leaders into rapid decisions.

“This is a textbook psychological warfare maneuver,” said former Israeli intelligence officer Yossi Melman. “It’s meant to show control, evoke fear, and sow discord between public opinion and government policy.”

Hamas has been accused before of using similar tactics, including releasing videos of hostages in distress, airing propaganda materials, and issuing ultimatums.

Recurring History of Grave Violations

This is not the first time Hamas has published disturbing footage of Israeli captives. Over the years, numerous videos have surfaced showing hostages under duress, being forced to read scripts, or pleading for their lives. In each instance, Hamas has leveraged these moments for international attention and political bargaining.

Even during previous conflicts, similar videos were broadcast in attempts to pressure Israeli leadership into prisoner swaps or ceasefire deals. The latest video, however, has pushed many observers to draw parallels to war crimes or acts of terrorism with intent to psychologically destabilize.

Calls for Unified Global Action

With tensions rising across the region and the international community grappling with how to respond, several nations are now pushing for a more coordinated response against Hamas’ treatment of hostages.

The United Nations Security Council is expected to convene an emergency meeting later this week, where the issue of hostage treatment and violations of international humanitarian law will likely take center stage.

Meanwhile, Israeli officials have promised to intensify their intelligence operations and diplomatic efforts to secure the hostages’ release. Netanyahu’s administration has not ruled out military options but continues to prioritize safe recovery through negotiations, albeit under increasingly pressured circumstances.

Conclusion: A Race Against Time

The latest video depicting Evyatar David digging his own grave stands as a grim reminder of the urgent need to resolve the Gaza hostage crisis. With every passing day, the situation grows more dire—not just for the individuals held underground, but for their families and a nation still reeling from the trauma of the October 7 attacks.

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