Hamas Videos of Starving Hostages Spark Debate — Zohran Mamdani & AOC Respond

Disturbing Video Evidence of Starved Israeli Hostages in Gaza

Newly surfaced footage reveals the dire condition of two Israeli hostages, Evyatar David and Rom Braslavski, who have been held captive for nearly two years. Once healthy and vibrant, they are now severely emaciated, resembling skeletons. Their images evoke painful memories reminiscent of Holocaust imagery, illustrating the brutal toll of captivity.

Sophisticated propaganda has long accused Israel of causing a famine in Gaza. Despite these claims, no verified images of widespread adult starvation have emerged—until now. Videos of David and Braslavski, intentionally deprived of food by their captors, expose the harsh reality of their suffering. Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad are accused of using starvation as a weapon, deliberately depriving prisoners to pressure Israel, while global voices largely remain silent on their plight.

Video still of Rom Braslavski, a hostage held in Gaza for nearly 700 days.
Video still showing Rom Braslavski, who has been detained in Gaza for nearly 700 days.

Despite widespread accusations of famine, no adult images depict a true starvation scenario akin to historical hunger crises. The distress of Gazans is genuine, but critics argue Hamas exploits this suffering for political leverage, often stealing humanitarian aid intended for civilians.

Emaciated Israeli hostage marking food rations on a calendar.
Starving hostage Evyatar David in video footage.

Global outrage has been muted, with prominent figures like AOC and Bernie Sanders remaining silent on the hostage crisis. The mother of Rom Braslavski has issued a heartfelt plea: “Until now, you could only imagine how Rom and the other hostages are suffering. Now you’ve seen it with your own eyes. What will you do about it?”

It is crucial that the international community responds decisively: the hostages must be freed immediately, and meaningful support should be directed toward ending Hamas’s use of starvation as a weapon.