On October 7, the families of several female Israeli soldiers taken hostage in a Hamas-led attack released new footage of their abductions in an attempt to pressure the Israeli government to restart apparently stalled ceasefire talks. , paving the way for their loved ones. ‘ release.
It is not clear how or when the families obtained the footage, or why they decided to release it now. Some Israeli politicians immediately seized on the opportunity to push back on the decisions of Ireland, Norway and Spain. Unilateral recognition of the State of Palestine. Foreign Minister Israel Katz said he would play the video during a “stern rebuke” of the two ambassadors.
In the video, which has not been independently verified by The New York Times, Palestinian militants, some wearing Hamas headbands, can be seen tying the hands of five female Israeli hostages near the Gaza border. Serving as a lookout at the Nahal Oz military base. At least two people had blood on their faces. Militants repeatedly threatened soldiers.
Negotiations to secure the release of more than 125 hostages still held in Gaza have been at a standstill since Israel began its assault on the southern city of Rafah in early May. Israeli troops operating in northern Gaza recovered the bodies of four Israelis abducted on October 7, heightening concerns about the remaining captives.
The headquarters of the Hostage Family Forum, an umbrella agency representing the families of captives, identified five lookouts: Naama Levy, Agam Berger, Liri Albag ), Karina Ariev and Daniela Gilboa. The group said the video was recorded by a body camera carried by the Hamas militants who kidnapped them.
Families of the hostages met with senior Israeli leaders on Wednesday, including Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Benny Gantz, a member of Israel’s wartime cabinet, in an attempt to lobby for an immediate deal with Hamas.
“This video is powerful evidence of the country’s failure to bring the hostages home, who have been abandoned for 229 days,” the headquarters of the Hostage Family Forum said in a statement.
