Israeli Hostages Plead for Rescue in New Hamas Propaganda Video
Hamas released a video on Saturday showing two Israeli hostages, Elkana Bohbot and Yosef-Haim Ohana, held in Gaza since the October 7, 2023 attacks. The footage, which appeared scripted and recorded under duress, shows Bohbot lying under a blanket, visibly frail, while Ohana delivers a plea in Hebrew for the Israeli government to end the war and secure the captives’ release.
The video, posted on Hamas’ Telegram channel and approved for publication by the hostages’ families, comes 582 days after the two were abducted from the Nova music festival during the deadly assault that triggered the war. Israeli authorities say 59 hostages are still in Gaza, with 24 believed to be alive, though the status of three remains unclear.
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Ohana, 24, claims in the video that Bohbot, 36, has been self-harming and is deteriorating mentally and physically. “Our fate is in your hands,” he says, addressing Israeli leaders. “Your hands are stained with blood. … It’s time to stop this war. Time is running out.”
Hamas ended the clip with the message: “Only a ceasefire agreement brings them back alive.”
Bohbot, a Colombian-Israeli with asthma, has reportedly developed a severe skin condition while being held in a cramped Gaza tunnel. His family said he has received no medical treatment. Ohana, a former IDF medic, was captured while helping the wounded at the festival.
In response, the Bohbot family stated, “While all the people of Israel hear their calls, a handful of decision-makers refuse to listen. The fact that they are still there is a disgrace.”
