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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Minor girl kidnapped and raped; main accused and two cafe owners held
Latur (PTI): A minor girl was allegedly kidnapped and raped by an 18-year-old man in Latur, leading to the arrest of the main accused and owners of two cafes where the crime occurred on December 4, police said on Saturday.
Police traced the girl within hours of registering the complaint. The accused, identified as Rihan Gulab Shaikh, was arrested based on the girl's complaint. Two others are owners of two cafes where the crime occurred, police said.
Police registered a case under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), POCSO Act, and the Prevention of Atrocities Act, an official said.
