Hamas Demands Palestinian State for Disarmament, Releases Hostage Video

Stalemate Persists as Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

Hamas has firmly stated it will not disarm without the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, reiterating its stance as the group released a second video in as many days featuring an Israeli hostage. This declaration directly challenges a key demand from Israel aimed at ending the protracted conflict in Gaza.

Hostage Plea Amidst Dire Conditions

The latest video shows **Evyatar David**, reportedly emaciated, digging what he describes as his own grave. His family has implored that any aid reaching Gaza must also reach him. His brother, **Ilay**, conveyed the urgency at a rally in Tel Aviv, stating, “They are on the absolute brink of death.” Thousands gathered, holding posters of captives and demanding their immediate release.

Hamas reiterates no disarmament unless an independent Palestinian state is established. Group releases second video of Israeli hostage Evyatar David, who appears emaciated and says he is digging his own grave. Israel says 49 hostages remain in Gaza, 27 dead.

— World News Today (@WNT) August 15, 2025

Famine Looms as Aid Restrictions Spark Outrage

International pressure mounts on Israel to ease restrictions on goods and aid entering Gaza, which have led to severe shortages. UN-backed food security experts warn that the worst-case scenario of famine is unfolding. Hamas has incorporated these dire conditions into its hostage videos, highlighting the deteriorating health of captives and its captors alike.

Diplomatic Efforts Face Hurdles

Indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel, intended to secure a 60-day ceasefire and a hostage release deal, collapsed last week. Meanwhile, **Donald Trump’s** Middle East envoy, **Steve Witkoff**, has been engaging with the Israeli government, reportedly discussing a plan to conclude the Gaza war. He met Prime Minister **Benjamin Netanyahu** and visited an aid distribution site.

Global condemnation has intensified over Israel’s aid restrictions and the violence at aid distribution points. The UN reports hundreds of Palestinians have been killed in the vicinity of these sites and along food convoy routes since late May. Hospitals in Gaza reported that Israeli forces killed over a dozen people on Saturday, including eight attempting to access food.

International Calls for Increased Aid

Germany has joined other nations in demanding Israel allow more aid into Gaza, deeming current levels very insufficient. France’s foreign minister echoed these calls for massive humanitarian assistance and condemned the Hamas hostage videos as despicable.

Seven Palestinians, including a child, died from malnutrition-related causes in the last 24 hours, bringing the total child fatalities from malnutrition to 93 since the conflict began. Israel maintains it is taking steps to increase aid delivery, including partial pauses in fighting and airdrops, while UN agencies stress the inadequacy of airdrops and the urgent need for expanded land access.