Hamas has released a video showing two Israeli hostages seized from a music festival during its cross-border attack in October 2023. The video claims to depict Guy Gilboa-Dalal in Gaza City in late August, where he states that he and eight others are being held and will remain despite Israel's planned ground offensive. It also features Alon Ohel. The international community has condemned previous videos of hostages as propaganda, prompting a strong response from Israeli officials.
The video shows Mr. Gilboa-Dalal pleading for his release while filmed in a car, stating he is in Gaza City. It represents the first sighting of Mr. Ohel since his abduction 700 days ago. They are among 48 hostages that are still being held by Hamas, with reports indicating that 20 of them are believed to be alive.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has communicated with the families of both hostages, emphasizing that the conflict could cease immediately if Hamas meets Israel’s conditions, which include the return of all hostages. However, a representative group for the families of hostages argued that genuine efforts to secure their return require a resumption of negotiations.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum recently held a rally, marking 700 days since the October 7, 2023, attacks, urging the government to restart talks concerning the hostages. On the other hand, Israel has intensified its military operations against Hamas in Gaza, claiming significant activity from the group in high-rise buildings, further highlighting the dire humanitarian situation in the region. As the conflict escalates, the UN and various organizations express deep concern over the consequences for civilians.
In the lead-up to this video’s release, Hamas had reportedly accepted a truce proposal involving the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners, but Israel remains firm on its stance that all hostages should be released simultaneously. The cycle of violence continues to complicate the path to peace, leaving many to fear for the safety of those still in captivity.}
The video shows Mr. Gilboa-Dalal pleading for his release while filmed in a car, stating he is in Gaza City. It represents the first sighting of Mr. Ohel since his abduction 700 days ago. They are among 48 hostages that are still being held by Hamas, with reports indicating that 20 of them are believed to be alive.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has communicated with the families of both hostages, emphasizing that the conflict could cease immediately if Hamas meets Israel’s conditions, which include the return of all hostages. However, a representative group for the families of hostages argued that genuine efforts to secure their return require a resumption of negotiations.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum recently held a rally, marking 700 days since the October 7, 2023, attacks, urging the government to restart talks concerning the hostages. On the other hand, Israel has intensified its military operations against Hamas in Gaza, claiming significant activity from the group in high-rise buildings, further highlighting the dire humanitarian situation in the region. As the conflict escalates, the UN and various organizations express deep concern over the consequences for civilians.
In the lead-up to this video’s release, Hamas had reportedly accepted a truce proposal involving the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners, but Israel remains firm on its stance that all hostages should be released simultaneously. The cycle of violence continues to complicate the path to peace, leaving many to fear for the safety of those still in captivity.}
