Hamas⁤ Releases Video of Israeli Hostages, One in Deteriorating Health

Hamas, the Palestinian militant group,‍ has released a video purportedly showing two Israeli⁣ hostages held in the Gaza Strip. The hostages ‍are identified as‍ Yosef ⁢Haim Ohana and Elkana Bohbot. Bohbot appears too be in poor health, reportedly due to ⁢a refusal to eat ⁢or drink, according to Ohana.

Hostage ⁤Appeal

In the video, Ohana, identified as “prisoner number 21,” is ⁣seen sitting next to Bohbot,⁢ referred to ⁤as “prisoner ⁣number⁢ 22,”⁣ who is lying down. Ohana‍ states that Bohbot “has not stopped trying to harm” himself and that he is unable to help his deteriorating condition.

“Our lives are imminent, ⁤every minute is⁤ critical,” Ohana saeid, echoing similar messages conveyed by other hostages in videos released by Hamas ‍as the Oct.7 attack on Israel and the⁣ subsequent Israeli military response in Gaza.

Call for Ceasefire

Ohana directly addresses the government‍ of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging a cessation of airstrikes, arguing‍ they endanger both Gazan civilians and the remaining hostages. Netanyahu has acknowledged that approximately 21 hostages are believed to be alive.

Hamas’ Tactics

Hamas has previously released videos of hostages ‍as a pressure tactic. Bohbot, an organizer of a stage at the Nova Festival, where 378 people were killed during the Oct. 7 attack, has been featured in several of these ⁣videos.

Family’s Outlook

Rebecca González, Bohbot’s wife, told europa⁢ Press that the videos, while providing proof of life,⁣ have heightened her concern for her husband’s well-being. She expressed ‍fear that ⁣a recent video felt like ⁤a farewell message.”Until there was‍ the first video I wanted‍ to⁤ know how I was but I did not⁤ imagine that I was going to hurt so much,” ‍González said, according to Fuente Latina.

González recounted that⁢ her husband contacted her at the start of the⁤ Oct. 7 attack,‍ saying terrorists were present. “I promise you to‍ go back house,” he said.later, she learned from a⁤ friend who saw ⁢a Hamas ⁢video that he had been kidnapped.

She also received data about her husband from a released hostage who had been held with him.He asked him ‍to listen⁤ to ⁢the song ‘Warrior’ that he dedicated before asking him and speaking a strong and fighter woman.

González described the situation as a “roller‍ coaster” for her and their⁢ 5-year-old ‍child. “it’s ‍like putting on a mask and going out,” she said.

Hostage Families’ Demands

Families ⁤of the hostages have repeatedly called on the Israeli government to prioritize the lives of their ⁣loved ⁣ones above political or military considerations. These demands were reiterated at a recent presentation in Tel Aviv, attended by thousands.

Frustration and Criticism

“At the ⁣moment we feel alone, We don’t know why things are lengthening,” González said,⁣ expressing⁢ frustration. She believes those responsible for the events of Oct. 7 should be held accountable.⁢ “All who were in charge of October 7 have to pay and have to go to jail,” she said.

González criticized the perceived lack of security on that ⁣day.”Where was the army? The Army is the only entity that ‍is to protect⁢ its citizens,” she emphasized.

She argued that⁤ “Israel cannot ⁢pretend that you will end Hamas” but should instead focus on securing the release of the⁤ hostages, ending the war, and preventing future attacks. Otherwise, she ⁢fears, “no mother will⁢ want to send their children to the ⁢army ‍to kidnap them and do not return and then “there will no⁣ longer be any protection⁣ in Israel.”

González believes that the Israeli government‘s approach of ⁤”pressure, with bombing” will not free the hostages, as they are likely held deep‍ underground.

(Information from Europa press was used in this report.)