Israeli hostage families are doubling down on their calls for further pressure. They’re responding to the release by the terrorist group Hamas of horrifying video footage such as this, featuring their family members like 24-year-old David, who was abducted at the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023. David is one of the 50 hostages still known to be alive in Gaza. His state has inspired immediate protests and moving pleas from his family and families of other hostages.
Last week, Hamas released an undated video of David held captive, depicting him inside a small cell. The next day, the crew released what looked like a fuller version of that first clip. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum had originally discouraged the publication of imagery from the videos. They ultimately decided, after the fact, that David’s family allowed the release of a still image.
Now, David’s family is urgently appealing for help from the Israeli government and the United States. They stated, “We appeal to the Israeli government and the US administration – look our loved ones – and us – in the eyes.” Their desperation even leads them to a direct appeal to President Trump himself, calling on him to “bring our son home.”
The emotional weight of the situation was highlighted during a meeting between Steve Witkoff, the United States’ special envoy to the Middle East, and approximately 40 representatives of hostage families, including David’s relatives. Witkoff upon exiting the meeting, which he described as “very emotional.” As families awaited news of their loved ones, they experienced a sudden spike of fear and panic.
Witkoff emphasized that ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas must focus on securing the return of all 50 hostages simultaneously. “End the war and bring all 50 hostages home at the same time – that’s the only way,” he stated. He sent a terse warning shot across the bow. If the rest of the living hostages—including David—never make it back home to Israel, then at least “someone will be to blame.”
The seriousness of the matter is further emphasized by Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir’s statement. He noted that a partial deal for the release of captives might be achievable in the coming days, but if negotiations fail, “the fighting will continue without rest.” This highlights just how tenuous active diplomacy—and the safety of the captives themselves—can be.
Security and humanitarian needs cannot wait any longer, as hostage families are begging for help. They don’t hold back in sharing their pain and anger over the continued impasse in negotiations. “Against the backdrop of horrifying footage and harsh reports about the hostages’ condition – hostage families will cry out this morning in the heart of Tel Aviv,” said Israel’s hostage families.
In the wake of this uncertainty, families continue their fight for justice and accountability from Hamas. Witkoff encouraged them to “get your kids home and make Hamas pay for anything evil they do.” He too stressed a desire to work toward a resolution based on the principles of peace first. “The plan is not to expand the war, but to end it. We have a plan to end the war and bring everyone home,” Witkoff said.
David is one of the at least 20 hostages known to be alive in Gaza. His family’s anguish reflects the suffering of so many others who, like them, still cling to hope that they will see their loved ones again. Their release has further alarmed families of hostages over their well-being and embittered the public over contentious waiting negotiations.
