Hamas releases videos of Israeli hostages

Over in the Middle East.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to eliminate Hamas and secure the release of hostages after videos of two visibly emaciated Israelis being held by the militant group were released.

Lee Seung-jae has more.

Palestinian militant group Hamas has released two videos of two Israeli hostages, Evyatar David and Rom Braslavski.

The video released by Hamas on Saturday, showed David saying that he hasn't eaten for days and is digging his own grave.

"What I'm doing now is digging the grave, the grave I consider is for myself, because every day that goes by, every day that goes by my body is weakening, getting skinnier and weaker. To me it seems that I'm heading towards my own death."

The video of Rom Braslavski was released by Hamas on Thursday, showing the 22-year-old pleading for food, water, and rescue.

Both men were abducted from a music festival by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, attacks.

In response to the hostage video, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday vowed to destroy Hamas, adding that Israel is determined to free the hostages.

" I am filled with even stronger determination to free our kidnapped sons, to eliminate Hamas, and to ensure that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to the State of Israel."

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff met with families of hostages held by Hamas on Saturday.

There, he told the families that Washington is working with the Israeli government on a plan that would effectively end the war in Gaza.

The envoy also said that the militant group was prepared to disarm in a move to end the war, however, the group has repeatedly said it will not lay down its weapons.

Witkoff is currently visiting Israel as the U.S. is facing mounting pressure over the worsening humanitarian conditions in the enclave.

Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.