Germany’s Merz, Wadephul ‘appalled’ by Hamas hostage videos

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed his indignation at propaganda videos by the Palestinian militant group Hamas showing emaciated Israeli hostages.

“I am appalled by the images of Evyatar David and Rom Braslavski. Hamas is torturing the hostages, terrorizing Israel and using its own population in the Gaza Strip as a shield,” Merz told the German newspaper Bild.

“This is precisely why there is no way around a negotiated ceasefire for the time being. The release of all hostages is an absolute prerequisite for this.”

Merz added: “Israel will not reciprocate Hamas’ cynicism and must continue to provide humanitarian aid.”

Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, who returned from a trip to Israel and the Palestinian territories on Friday, also expressed his shock.

The images show the “perfidy” of the hostages’ “tormentors,” Wadephul told Bild.

In a video released at the weekend, 24-year-old Evyatar David, emaciated to the bone, can be seen in a narrow tunnel in Gaza, reportedly digging his own grave.

The images have prompted criticism from international leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron and the EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas.