Hamas has released a video featuring two Israeli hostages, Guy Gilboa-Dalal and Alon Ohel, who were taken during a music festival in October 2023. In the video, which is said to have been filmed in Gaza City in late August, Gilboa-Dalal claims he and eight others will remain hostages despite Israel’s upcoming military actions. The footage shows Gilboa-Dalal pleading for his release and marks the first appearance of Ohel since his abduction 700 days ago.
Both hostages are among the 48 individuals still held by Hamas, with 20 believed to be alive. In response to the video, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with the families of the hostages, stating that Israel’s conditions for a ceasefire include the return of all hostages. Netanyahu’s office released a statement emphasizing that propaganda videos would not hinder Israel’s resolve.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, representing the families of hostages, called for immediate negotiations to secure a comprehensive deal for their return. They held a rally in Tel Aviv to demand a recommencement of talks, as this incident marks 700 days since the original attacks.
Amidst these developments, Hamas announced an acceptance of a proposal from Qatar and Egypt that would involve a temporary truce during which 10 living hostages and 18 deceased would be released in exchange for numerous Palestinian prisoners. However, Israel has not accepted this arrangement, insisting that all hostages be released simultaneously.
On the military front, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have intensified operations around Gaza City, claiming to have established control over 40% of the area, which the IDF identifies as a Hamas stronghold. Recent Israeli strikes reportedly resulted in the deaths of 30 Palestinians, with the health ministry in Gaza indicating a significant civilian toll amidst ongoing conflict. The humanitarian consequences of the military campaign are raising alarms from the UN and various aid organizations, highlighting the urgent need for resolution.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy0vly9zyl2o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss