In a powerful statement, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has framed hostage-taking not as a regional conflict issue but as a dangerous global phenomenon used by terror groups to ensure their survival and interests. He called on the international community to take a strong, uncompromising stance against this practice. Sa’ar’s comments were part of a broader critique of Hamas and international diplomatic efforts.
The minister’s remarks followed the release of what he called a “sadistic propaganda campaign” by Hamas, which included videos of two Israeli captives, Evyatar David and Rom Braslavski. Sa’ar asserted that the apparent starvation and torture of the hostages were a “deliberate and well-planned” tactic, drawing a shocking comparison between the group’s cruelty and the crimes of the Nazis and ISIS.
Sa’ar also criticized diplomatic efforts to recognize a Palestinian state, claiming they have “assassinated the chances to reach a hostage deal.” He argued that these moves are “immoral” and “politically foolish,” as they have only served to reward Hamas’s terror and harden their negotiating position. He urged countries to abandon the creation of a “false symmetry” between hostages and “murderers.”
In a final point of contention, Sa’ar dismissed the “starvation narrative” in Gaza as a “fake propaganda campaign,” stating that the consistent flow of humanitarian aid into the region disproves the claims. He also voiced frustration that the Red Cross has been unable to visit the 50 remaining hostages, despite an explicit agreement. Sa’ar announced he is traveling to a special UN Security Council session he initiated in New York to address these issues.