**Brother of Gaza Hostage Describes Evyatar David as "Human Skeleton"**

The brother of an Israeli hostage held in the Gaza Strip has shared a harrowing account of his sibling's condition, describing him as a "human skeleton" in a recent interview with the BBC. The video released by Hamas over the weekend showing Evyatar David, 24, has sparked outrage and condemnation from Israel and Western leaders.

Ilay David, the hostage's brother, spoke to the BBC on Monday, expressing his distress over the footage. "He's a human skeleton. He was being starved to the point where he can be dead at any moment," Ilay said. "He barely can speak, he barely can move."

In the video, Evyatar David, who was abducted from the Nova music festival during the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, is seen digging what he claims will be his own grave. He states that he has not eaten for days and has had little access to drinking water.

The release of the video comes amidst growing pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to prioritise the release of hostages. Families of the captives have urged him to focus on their safe return, fearing that a potential expansion of the military campaign could further endanger their loved ones.

Ilay David recounted the emotional toll the video has taken on his family, particularly his parents. "Seeing those images of my brother as a human skeleton, we understood it's a new kind of cruelty," he said. "It's the lowest you can get."

He pleaded with world leaders to intervene and save the hostages from what he described as the "cruel, twisted hands of Hamas." "We need to give him medicine, to give him food, proper food, and you need to get this treatment now, or else he will die," Ilay urged.

Hamas's armed wing has refuted allegations of intentional starvation, asserting that hostages receive the same rations as their fighters and the general population in Gaza.

The situation in Gaza remains dire, with reports of widespread starvation and malnutrition. The Hamas-run health ministry has reported over 60,000 deaths since the start of Israel's military campaign in response to the 7 October attack. The UN has warned that a famine is currently unfolding in the territory.

As the conflict continues, calls for a ceasefire and the immediate release of hostages grow louder, both from within Israel and the international community.