Evyatar David, an Israeli hostage, waits to be freed. He was kidnapped by Hamas from the Nova music festival close to the Gaza border on October 7, 2023. He is one of 50 Israelis remaining in the group’s custody. A video that just appeared online shows David in the same type of tunnel inside Gaza. It’s been almost two months since Hamas released this footage in early August. Given that in the video he was shown digging what appeared to be his own grave, concerns for his safety were immediately heightened.
Ilay David, David’s brother, has become one of the most prominent voices calling for his release. He has taken his fight to the world stage too, including before the United Nations. There, he is set to call on world leaders to increase pressure on Hamas. Ilay David believes that humanitarian aid directed towards Gaza should benefit the hostages held by the group, emphasizing that Hamas controls access to vital resources for both hostages and civilians.
As the crisis develops, the need for humanitarian assistance is increasing and tensions are flaring, particularly in light of the Israeli military’s ongoing offensive in Gaza City. These activities would lead to irreversible, extreme displacement of most of the current people living there. They would endanger the high-profile return of other remaining captives like Evyatar David.
Advocacy for Hostage Release
Ilay David is an impassioned and effective advocate for his brother’s release. He is working to make sure that world leaders don’t forget the hostages. He has voiced his anger at the slow pace of progress since Evyatar’s kidnapping.
“I think if enough was being done so far, and we’re talking two years after October 7, then the hostages would be here already, all of them — and there are still 50 [held captive]” – Ilay David
His advocacy extends far beyond asking for their liberation. He stresses that as negotiations continue to free the hostages, it’s vital to prioritize their survival.
“And right now, my only concern is really, and I’m not talking about a deal or a ceasefire or an agreement, I’m talking about making sure the hostages will survive negotiations” – Ilay David
Ilay’s efforts highlight a critical issue: the need for humanitarian aid to reach those in captivity. On behalf of Dichter, he claims that Evyatar should be treated with the appropriate to protect his life.
“Humanitarian aid must reach the hostages, it must reach my brother, and he must get the proper treatment or else he’ll die very, very soon” – Ilay David
The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Civil society leaders contend that the humanitarian situation in Gaza had worsened due to repeated wars and armed conflict. The United Nations-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification recently declared Gaza City to be officially experiencing famine, raising concerns over food distribution and access to resources.
Whatever humanitarian aid comes into Gaza must be used for civilians’ needs, not the needs of terrorist organizations. He makes the case that Hamas controls the distribution of food and medical care in the territory.
“I believe that the humanitarian aid that is getting into Gaza should go to the hostages as well because right now Hamas decides who gets food and who doesn’t” – Ilay David
In the abysmal situation Gazans find themselves, and hostages in Israel. He laments that while those in connection with Hamas are taken care of, a large number of others are in extreme pain.
“If you’re Hamas, in the Gaza Strip, you get food, you live. If you are not, you’re going to be miserable, and it counts for the Gazans, and it counts for Evyatar and the other hostages” – Ilay David
The upcoming military operations in Gaza City would only increase the danger faced by those still kidnapped. As military leaders discuss strategies for taking over Gaza City, concerns have been raised about the impact on civilians and hostages alike.
Political Tensions and Military Operations
The Israeli military operation in Gaza City has triggered political tensions inside of Israel. Until now, senior Administration officials have lamented the slow pace of military maneuvers. We think radical reform is necessary to allow for faster action against Hamas.
According to reports from Israel’s Channel 12, far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have openly criticized IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir for not acting more decisively.
“No water, no electricity, they can die of hunger or surrender — this is what we want and you’re capable.” – Bezalel Smotrich
The suggestion of forcibly displacing populations from Gaza City raises ethical questions regarding military strategy and humanitarian considerations. Some officials continue to push for such aggressive tactics, while others worry over the civilian collateral damage that would erupt and the consequences for other hostages still alive.
Ilay David urges mediators, such as Egypt and Qatar, to increase their engagement. He calls on them to be bolder and more active in pushing for the release of hostages. He posits that their relationships with Hamas may offer a route to resolving this current crisis.
“I think first they should call the mediators [Egypt and Qatar]. The mediators have pretty good connection with the terror organisation in the Gaza Strip.” – Ilay David
There are rising calls within the country for humanitarian considerations to take precedence. Ilay insists that if leaders really care about reducing suffering in Gaza they need to prioritize the hostages.
“If they care about the humanitarian crisis in the region, in the Gaza Strip, they should care about the hostages as well.” – Ilay David
