Outcry in Israel as Hamas releases video of emaciated hostage alongside starving Palestinian children
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Tens of Thousands of Israelis Protest After Hamas Videos Show Emaciated Captives
Above: Families of hostages gather in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Aug. 2, 2025. Image copyright: Ori Aviram/Middle East Images/AFP/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Israel narrative
These horrific videos expose Hamas's deliberate cruelty and systematic starvation of innocent hostages who were kidnapped from a music festival. The emaciated condition of these young men proves Hamas is using starvation as a weapon of terror while blocking humanitarian aid from reaching those who need it most. Israel must continue its military pressure to force Hamas to release all hostages unconditionally.
Pro-Palestine narrative
These videos highlight the devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza where 2.2 million Palestinians face starvation due to Israeli restrictions on aid delivery. Hamas fighters and hostages are eating the same meager rations as desperate civilians, showing the collective suffering caused by the ongoing siege and bombardment of the territory.