VFI News Hostages Face Systematic Starvation in Gaza, Israel Warns

Israel Moves to Take Gaza City as the IDF prepares a full-scale operation to seize the last major Hamas stronghold in the Gaza Strip. The plan targets Gaza City and the surrounding central camps, areas still under Hamas control and believed to hold most of the remaining Israeli hostages.

With over 800,000 civilians to evacuate before the offensive, the move has sparked sharp opposition from hostage favmilies and many Western governments, while Arab states have expressed rare support. The decision comes amid rising tensions with Germany over arms shipments, debates within Israel about reserve call-ups, and growing protests over Ultra-Orthodox conscription. In this episode of VFI News, Barry Segal reports on the political and military stakes, the regional impact, and how this could reshape the war with Hamas and the broader Middle East.

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Israeli authorities warned this week that hostages still being held in Gaza are facing systematic starvation and deprivation, underscoring the urgent need for access, aid delivery guarantees, and an agreement that would ensure their safety and release. Officials said that the conditions confronting abductees—already traumatized by months of captivity—include severe shortages of food and water and restrictions intended to break their physical and psychological resilience. These concerns have been raised alongside repeated calls for the international community to press for immediate humanitarian access and accountability from those holding captives.

The warning comes amid ongoing efforts to secure a comprehensive deal that would see the hostages freed and essential assistance scaled up across Gaza. Families of abductees, advocacy groups, and medical experts have consistently cautioned that malnutrition and limited medical care compound the dangers hostages face day to day. Israel has emphasized that without full visibility into the captives’ conditions, the risk of irreversible harm grows with each passing day.

Humanitarian organizations have likewise reiterated that starvation and denial of medical care are clear violations of international norms. The latest appeals focus on establishing reliable corridors that cannot be exploited by terror groups, so aid reaches civilians while not empowering those who initiated the kidnappings. In parallel, Israeli officials stressed that the ongoing security threat posed by those holding hostages constrains the flow of assistance and complicates efforts to verify the well-being of captives.

The moral and strategic imperative, authorities maintain, remains unchanged: bring the hostages home and prevent further deterioration of their condition. For families and supporters, that means not only a renewed international push for a release framework, but also stronger safeguards that ensure food, water, and medicine reach those in need without delay.

(JPost/VFI News)

“He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets prisoners free.” – Psalm 146:7

Israeli forces exposed an operation in which Hamas terrorists used a vehicle fraudulently marked as belonging to a humanitarian aid organization to approach and target IDF soldiers in Gaza. The vehicle’s markings and configuration were intended to mimic a World Central Kitchen team, though the organization confirmed the car had no affiliation with it. The ruse underscores the broader challenge militaries face when terrorists disguise themselves as civilians or aid workers to exploit the protections afforded to genuine humanitarian missions.

The incident highlights the tactical and moral hazards of such deception: it endangers real aid teams, undermines trust in lifesaving operations, and violates the laws of war. Israeli officials said the vehicle posed a direct threat to troops and was treated accordingly. Footage and documentation shared by the military were used to warn both soldiers and humanitarian partners about the risks posed by falsified insignia on the battlefield.

Beyond the immediate incident, the episode raises concerns among aid groups operating in conflict zones, who depend on clear identification, advance coordination, and adherence to deconfliction protocols to maintain safe access. Such abuses by terror groups make already-difficult missions more perilous for those bringing food, shelter, and medical care to civilians.

Israel has urged international actors to condemn the tactic of feigning humanitarian status and to reinforce norms that protect genuine relief efforts—principles designed to keep both civilians and aid workers safe even amid intense fighting.

(JPost/VFI News)

“The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” – Proverbs 29:7

Minister of Finance and Minister in the Defense Ministry Bezalel Smotrich participated on Thursday, August 14, 2025, in the launch ceremony for the E1 construction project between Jerusalem and Maaleh Adumim, and proclaimed that it was a strategic step to strengthen the two cities as well as a response to what he calls "European hypocrisy." He noted that next Wednesday, the High Planning Council will convene and approve the plan to construct 3,400 housing units in the area. "This is certainly a historic day."

The Minister stressed the importance of territorial continuity, which the project will enable, a link between Jerusalem in the west until the Dead Sea, while cutting off the series of Arab settlements from the north and south. "This move strengthens Jerusalem and Maaleh Adumim and takes the terrible idea of dividing Israel off the agenda. It's a celebratory and historic day."

Smotrich thanked US President Donald Trump, US Ambassador Mike Huckabee, and the current administration for their support for the move. According to the Minister, even during Joe Biden's term, the government managed to advance the recognition of 28 communities as well as construction. But "there is no doubt that we're getting a giant boost from the current administration... this is an opportunity to say thank you for this partnership."

Regarding the intentions by some Western countries to recognize a Palestinian state next month, he stated: "While they vote on declarations, we will lay the facts on the ground. We are building, paving, recognizing, and planning, and we will even enact de facto sovereignty... There will be no Palestinian state, there will be no Palestinian Authority, there will be one big Jewish state between the sea and the river."

Directly addressing the European states, he added, "You will not determine the Jewish people's future. After 2000 years of not controlling our destiny, we returned to our homeland, and we have great power... You will not establish a Palestinian state with your hypocrisy; you will not tear away parts of our homeland and endanger our future. In the face of your intentions, we will strengthen our hold on the territories of our land."

(INN/VFI News)

“Dear Lord, we thank You for the land You have given us and promised to our forefathers. We thank You for bringing Your people back to their land after thousands of years and for the purposes You have for this land and its people. We ask that no attempt to separate the land will succeed. We put our trust in You to keep our land whole, to be a refuge to all Jewish people around the world and bring peace to our region. In Yehsua’s name we pray. Amen.”

Iran's water crisis has reached a critical level, especially in major cities and Tehran, threatening the lives of millions of citizens and the stability of the regime.

The combination of prolonged drought, climate change, and poor governmental management has led to a dramatic decline in water availability, severely damaging infrastructure and daily life.

In Tehran, rainfall has decreased by about 46% this year compared to the average, and the water flow to dams across the country has dropped by 43% compared to last year. Major rivers, including the Zayandeh Rud in Isfahan, are drying up.

Experts blame the government for building dams without proper planning, allocating water to irrigation-heavy crops in deserts, and neglecting old and leaking infrastructure, while prioritizing investments in military and nuclear projects over civilian development.

Water companies in the capital have started implementing water cuts of up to 12 hours for "heavy consumers" after three warnings, but in poorer suburbs, reports indicate interruptions of up to 48 consecutive hours.

To save water, the authorities have reduced water pressure by about 50%, which is affecting the supply to high-rise buildings. President Masoud Pezeshkian publicly admitted, "We have no water — not beneath our feet and not behind the dams," and urgently called on the public and experts for suggestions on solutions.

Despite government statements that a "zero day" — a complete water shutdown — is not expected, reports from recent days indicate the deployment of water tankers in the heart of Tehran and other cities. This step, meant to provide water to areas affected by the cuts, suggests that emergency solutions have already been activated.

Meanwhile, excessive groundwater extraction has led to land subsidence in cities like Tehran and Isfahan, causing cracks in homes, damage to roads, and severe harm to infrastructure. Experts estimate that 85% of Iran's renewable water resources have already been fully utilized.

The crisis is sparking protests across the country. Residents of Sabzevar and the suburbs of Tehran have protested in front of government buildings over water and electricity cuts, directing their anger directly at the government. Along with the difficult economic situation, the uprising over water shortages is becoming a serious threat to the political stability of Iran.

(INN/VFI News)

“The poor and needy search for water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. But I the LORD will answer them.” – Isaiah 41:17

Experience the timeless Jewish classic 'Oseh Shalom' with Barry and Batya Segal, set against stunning 4K drone footage of the land of the Bible. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the land of the Bible and be inspired by the message of peace, unity, and hope in this beautiful lyric video for 'Oseh Shalom.' The stunning visuals and the moving vocals of Barry and Batya Segal make this lyric video a must-watch.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar called on the Canadian government to do more to combat antisemitism after a video was circulated online showing a 32-year-old Jewish man being attacked on a Montreal street in front of his children.

Sa’ar shared the video to his X account and wrote, “The incident shown in this video is shocking and stomach-turning. A Jewish father was beaten in front of his daughter in Montreal, Canada, on Saturday, August 9, 2025.”

“These are images reminiscent of dark periods of Jewish persecution. This is appalling. The Canadian government must do more to fight antisemitism!” he added.

Montreal police have launched an investigation into the incident. Police said that the victim suffered injuries that were not life-threatening after being struck several times.

Canada has seen a sharp rise in incidents of antisemitism since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 and the war in Gaza which followed. Data released at the end of July by Statistics Canada reveal that hate crimes targeting Canadian Jews remained alarmingly high in 2024, with 920 police-reported incidents—making Jews the most targeted religious group in the country.

The number of overall antisemitism hate crimes was down slightly from their high in 2023, when they reached 959. However, they remain well above the figures for 2022, when 527 antisemitic hate crimes were reported. Jews were found to be 25 times more likely to be the victims of a hate crime than other Canadian citizens.

(INN/VFI News)

“Lord, we ask You to comfort the victim and his family, heal his physical wounds and guard hearts from fear. Strengthen leaders and law enforcement in Canada to confront antisemitism with courage and clarity. Protect Jewish communities across North America and around the world, and let Your peace overcome hatred and violence.”

Jewish communities in France were shaken by a series of antisemitic incidents reported within four days, including assaults and public harassment targeting visibly Jewish individuals. Local communal leaders warned that the heightened hostility, amplified since the outbreak of the Israel–Hamas war, has spilled into daily life and made ordinary acts—such as wearing a kippah or a Star of David—feel risky in certain neighborhoods.

Representatives of communal organizations described an “explosion” of antisemitic threats and acts, urging authorities to enforce the law vigorously and ensure that suspects are brought swiftly to justice. They also called for more visible protection around synagogues, schools, and Jewish cultural sites, alongside improved educational efforts to counter extremist ideologies that incite violence and intimidation.

The incidents drew condemnation from national figures and renewed attention to the need for accurate tracking of hate crimes. Community advocates have emphasized that the battle against antisemitism requires not just policing, but a moral stance—by neighbors, educators, and civic leaders—against bigotry in all its forms.

At the same time, many Jewish residents have responded with resilience: recommitting to communal life, gathering for prayer, and offering practical support to those most affected. In the face of fear and anger, they continue to choose solidarity and faith.

(JPost/VFI News)

“Father, have mercy on the Jewish people of France. Shield families on their streets, at schools, and in synagogues. Empower leaders to act decisively against hatred, and stir a movement of compassion in French society so that Jewish communities may live in safety and dignity.”

An American Jewish couple was assaulted late Saturday night, August 9, 2025, in Venice, in what local media reports may have been a hate-motivated incident. The attack occurred near the busy Rialto Bridge area, a major tourist hub in the city.

According to Italian reports, the Orthodox Jewish visitors — a man and his pregnant wife — were confronted by three men without warning. The assailants allegedly doused the couple with water, spat directly into the man’s face, and set a large dog on him. The dog attempted to bite his thigh, but the blow was deflected when its teeth struck a mobile phone in his pocket.

Witnesses told local media that the attackers hurled antisemitic insults and made verbal threats during the incident. The couple managed to escape and took refuge in a well-known kosher restaurant located in Venice’s historic Jewish Ghetto. They did not file a formal complaint and have since returned to the United States.

Italian police have launched an investigation, reviewing surveillance footage from the vicinity to identify the perpetrators. Officers are working to reach the victims to obtain their direct accounts and clarify whether the incident stemmed from antisemitic hatred, attempted robbery, or another motive.

Representatives of the local Jewish community immediately informed authorities about the attack, highlighting growing unease over an apparent increase in antisemitic incidents across Italy. Community leaders say the attack is part of a troubling pattern of hostility toward Jews in recent months.

(INN/VFI News)

“The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” – Psalm 121:7–8

Israel’s national kickboxing delegation earned a bright spotlight at the World Games, with athletes securing medals and strong finishes across multiple weight classes and disciplines. Coaches praised the team’s preparation and perseverance, citing countless hours of training, conditioning, and film study that helped fighters execute under pressure against elite international competition.

The athletes’ results also reflect the growing popularity of combat sports in Israel and expanded youth participation in clubs around the country. Federation leaders said continued investment in coaching education and development programs is translating into podium finishes at major tournaments.

In addition to the medal haul, several up-and-coming fighters delivered breakthrough performances that signal a promising pipeline for future European and world championships. The team now returns home to rest briefly before resuming training for its next slate of events.

(JPost/VFI News)

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.” – 1 Corinthians 9:24

The suggestions, opinions, and scripture references made by VFI News writers and editors are based on the best information received.

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