Gaza latest updates: Israeli hostage videos spark outcry as UK to evacuate hundreds of ill Palestinian children

Democrats push for Palestinian statehood
More than a dozen House Democrats have signed a letter urging Trump to recongnise a Palestinian state, Axios reports.
At least one also plans to introduce a pro-statehood resolution.
It comes as even some Republicans and pro-Israel House Democrats have ramped up criticism of Israeli leadership in response to starvation in Gaza.

Steffie Banatvala4 August 2025 11:49
Opinion: Netanyahuโs gameplan for Gaza is in tatters
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Netanyahuโs gameplan for Gaza is in tatters
The Israeli prime minister has long cast himself in a Churchillian mould, a wartime leader who is uniquely placed to remodel the Middle Eastโs geopolitical landscape with his military might. Other world leaders this week have shown that the truth is rather different, says Alon Pinkas
The Israeli prime minister has long cast himself in a Churchillian mould, a wartime leader who is uniquely placed to remodel the Middle Eastโs geopolitical landscape with his military might. Other world leaders this week have shown that the truth is rather different, says Alon Pinkas…
Steffie Banatvala4 August 2025 11:45
German interior ministry reviewing projects to treat children from Gaza
Germany’s interior ministry is reviewing the feasibility of projects that would involving bringing children from Gaza to Germany for treatment, a ministry spokesperson said on Monday.
“The feasibility of such initiatives depends crucially on the security situation, the possibility of leaving the country, and other factors,” said the spokesperson.
The German cities of Hanover and Duesseldorf have said in recent days that they would accept children from the Gaza Strip and Israel who are particularly vulnerable or traumatised.
The ministry has not yet received any inquiries from German cities about the issue, the spokesperson said at a regular government press conference in Berlin.
Steffie Banatvala4 August 2025 11:19
Which Western leaders condemned the videos of Israeli hostages?
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he was “appalled” by the images, adding that the release of hostages was necessary for a ceasefire
- French President Emmanuel Macron said Hamas embodies “abject cruelty”, also adding that France is working to release hostages, obtain a ceasefire and get aid into Gaza
- UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said “images of hostages being paraded for propaganda are sickening” and they must be released “unconditionally”
Steffie Banatvala4 August 2025 11:15
Three people die from Guillain-Barre Syndrome in Gaza
Three people have died from a rare nerve condition, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), according to the Gazaโs health ministry.
GBS can cause sudden muscle weakness or paralysis.
Two of the deaths were children under 15 years old, who died after life-saving treatment failed due to the blockade, the ministry said in a post on Telegram.
โThese are not just deaths… they are a warning of a real, potential infectious disaster,โ the ministry said.
It warned that a dangerous increase in infections and malnutrition among children is creating a โfertile environment for the uncontrolled spread of infectious diseasesโ.
Steffie Banatvala4 August 2025 11:07
In pictures: Palestinians seek aid supplies from US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation
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Steffie Banatvala4 August 2025 10:45
Who are the Israeli hostages appearing in videos sparking outcry?

Videos released of emaciated Israeli hostages in Gaza have sparked international condemnation over the weekend.
On Saturday Hamas released a video of Evyatar David, 24, in a fragile condition.
On Thursday the Palestinian Islamic Jihad published a video of Rom Braslavski, 21, crying.
Both Braslavski and David were abducted from the Nova music festival on 7 October 2023.
They are among the 49 hostages believed still in Gaza, of whom 27 are believed dead.
Steffie Banatvala4 August 2025 10:30
Netanyahu urges Red Cross to help hostages
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he spoke to Red Cross regional lead, Julien Lerisson, to request help in getting food and medical care to hostages in Gaza.
It comes after videos showed Israeli hostages Evyatar David and Rom Braslavski in a visibly fragile state.
โThe world cannot remain indifferent to the shocking images,โ Netanyahuโs post said.
There are 49 hostages believed still in Gaza, of whom 27 are believed dead.
Israel has been accused of creating a man-made famine in Gaza, which it denies.
Steffie Banatvala4 August 2025 10:15
Meet the pensioners risking prison terms to support Palestine Action
In an interrogation room just after 1am, 68-year-old grandmother-of-seven Marji Mansfield was sat across from counter terrorism officers after being arrested at a pro-Palestine protest in central London.
Steffie Banatvala4 August 2025 10:00
WHO to bring blood units and medical supply: Gaza’s health ministry
In their latest update, Gazaโs health ministry said the World Health Organisation will deliver trucks carrying blood units and medical supplies to hospitals in Gaza.
These trucks will not contain any food items, the ministry said in a post on Telegram this morning.
The Ministry of Health urges citizens, dignitaries, families, and relevant authorities to make every effort to protect the convoy, prevent any interference with the trucks, and enable their safe arrival at hospitals to save the lives of patients and the wounded.
Steffie Banatvala4 August 2025 09:45