Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has asserted that the apparent torture and starvation of Israeli hostages are a “deliberate and well-planned” tactic by Hamas. His comments were a direct response to a “sadistic propaganda campaign” by the group, which included the release of videos showing two captives, Evyatar David and Rom Braslavski, in a state of severe distress. Sa’ar drew a powerful comparison between Hamas’s cruelty and the crimes of the Nazis and ISIS.
The minister also condemned diplomatic efforts to recognize a Palestinian state, claiming these moves have “assassinated the chances to reach a hostage deal.” He argued that these actions are “immoral” and “politically foolish,” as they have only served to reward Hamas’s terror and harden their negotiating position. He urged countries to reconsider this approach, which he believes is counterproductive to peace and justice.
In a broader critique of the international response, Sa’ar expressed frustration that the Red Cross has been unable to visit the 50 remaining hostages, despite a pre-existing agreement. He also weighed in on the humanitarian debate in Gaza, dismissing the “starvation narrative” as a “fake propaganda campaign” that is contradicted by the constant influx of aid into the region.
To address these issues on a global scale, Sa’ar announced he is traveling to a special UN Security Council session he initiated in New York. He plans to use the platform to expose hostage-taking as a dangerous global phenomenon and to urge the international community to take a strong, united stance against it. He concluded his remarks by warning against the “false symmetry” between victims and perpetrators.