Famine is here: Gaza starvation crisis deepens as Hamas releases video of emaciated Israeli hostage
UN warns of unfolding famine as hostage’s family says Hamas is using hunger as a weapon
New Delhi: As food supplies in Gaza dwindle and UN-backed experts warn that famine is no longer a looming threat but a present reality, Hamas has released a chilling video of Israeli hostage Evyatar David, skeletal, barely conscious, and digging what he called his “own grave.”
The video, released on Friday, has triggered global outrage, not only over the condition of the 24-year-old but also the wider humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza, where both civilians and captives are enduring extreme deprivation.
“I haven’t eaten for days… I barely got drinking water,” David says in a faint voice, shown in a dimly lit tunnel. “Every day my body becomes weaker. I’m walking directly to my grave.”
His family has accused Hamas of using starvation as a deliberate tactic. “We are witnessing a living skeleton buried alive,” they said, calling it part of a cynical campaign that exploits both hostages and starving Palestinians for propaganda.
The footage follows weeks of warnings from aid agencies about deteriorating food security in Gaza. UN experts say the "worst-case scenario of famine" is now taking shape, with limited humanitarian aid making it past border crossings and airdrops proving grossly inadequate.
In recent weeks, Hamas has referenced Gaza’s starvation in hostage videos, seemingly to draw a parallel between the plight of Palestinian civilians and Israeli captives. The latest footage of David comes just a day after Palestinian Islamic Jihad released a video of another hostage, Rom Braslavski.
Evyatar David was among 251 people abducted during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. Nearly two years later, 49 hostages are still believed to be held.
Rallies erupted in Tel Aviv following the video’s release, with families of hostages demanding immediate international intervention. “Our brothers are turning into skin and bones,” said Einav Zangauker, whose son is also held in Gaza.
Ceasefire negotiations remain stalled. Israel demands the unconditional release of all hostages, while Hamas refuses to disarm without recognition of a sovereign Palestinian state.
US envoy Steve Witkoff, after meeting hostage families, claimed the Trump team could broker a comprehensive deal. “No more piecemeal arrangements,” he said.
David’s family has pleaded for the humanitarian aid entering Gaza to also reach hostages. “The thought of his hunger and pain haunts my every moment,” said his brother Ilay.
As Gaza starves, so do the captives. Both have become human symbols of a war with no end in sight.
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Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
