German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed horror at the signs of life from hostages Rom Breslavski and Evyatar David, who appeared in deteriorated physical condition. On his X account, he wrote that "Hamas is torturing hostages, terrorizing Israel and using Gaza's population as human shields." Merz added: "Hamas must not be part of Gaza's future. The release of hostages is a precondition for a ceasefire. Israel should not react to Hamas's cynicism and continue to provide humanitarian aid."