Hamas Unveils Second Propaganda Video Featuring Israeli Hostage Elkana Bohbot Urging for Freedom
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On March 30, Hamas released another video of Israeli hostage Elkana Bohbot, appealing for his release to the Israeli government. Captured during the October 7, 2023 attack, Bohbot expresses his concerns regarding the ongoing conflict and the plight of hostages. The video highlights the urgency for negotiations as the conflict escalates.
Key Takeaways
- Elkana Bohbot pleads for freedom in a new video.
- Bohbot was abducted from a music festival on October 7, 2023.
- He expresses concern over Israeli airstrikes endangering hostages.
- Ongoing military actions threaten the lives of remaining captives.
- Calls for a renewed ceasefire are intensifying amid rising casualties.
Jerusalem, March 30 (NationPress) The military faction of Hamas has unveiled a video featuring Israeli captive Elkana Bohbot, who is seen earnestly requesting his liberation.
Bohbot was taken from a music festival in southern Israel during Hamas's assault on October 7, 2023, and in the video, he appeals to the Israeli administration for his freedom.
This clip, which has been cleared for release by his family, serves as the second proof-of-life video of Bohbot in just a few days. He is among 59 individuals still held by the militant group Hamas.
The three-minute video, delivered in Hebrew, marks the second instance of hostage footage distributed by Hamas recently.
"For the second time, I am prisoner number 22," Bohbot states in the video, addressing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
"I was the one who requested to make this video. Hamas did not instruct me to do so. This is not a psychological tactic. The true psychological struggle is waking up each day without seeing my son or my wife."
Bohbot, aged 36, was a contractor and had been with the Histadrut for fifteen years. During the Nova music festival on October 7, he was actively involved in assisting injured attendees before being captured by Hamas militants. He and his spouse, Rivka, share a five-year-old son.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has confirmed Bohbot's identity, stating he was seen earlier this week in another video alongside fellow captive Yosef Haim Ohana.
In the recently released video, Bohbot conveys his worries regarding Israeli airstrikes in Gaza and the risks they present to the hostages. He implores the Israeli government for his release, expressing his desire to reunite with his wife and child.
Following the resumption of Israel's operations on March 18 after a brief ceasefire, Hamas has cautioned that ongoing military actions could jeopardize the lives of the remaining captives.
Out of the 251 individuals seized during the October 7 attack, 58 continue to be held in Gaza, while the Israeli military has reported that 34 of them are presumed deceased.
Israel's renewed military activities in Gaza have led to significant casualties, with nearly a dozen fatalities reported on Saturday alone, according to local civil defense sources.
The ongoing hostilities have triggered increasing calls for a renewed ceasefire.
Bassem Naim, a senior figure in Hamas, mentioned that ceasefire talks are gaining traction.
"We are optimistic that the upcoming days will yield a significant advancement in the situation of the war, following intensified discussions with and among mediators in recent days," Naim stated on Friday.
On Saturday night, thousands of Israelis assembled in Tel Aviv, urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to secure a deal for the return of the hostages. Many participants included former captives and relatives of those still held.
"Soon, Israel will observe Passover... I hope we can hold the seder night with the hostages, who must return so we can genuinely celebrate a real holiday," said Yair Horn, a former hostage whose brother Eitan remains in Gaza.
"Prime Minister... let us reach an agreement without further conflict."
The forthcoming Jewish celebration of Passover, known as the "holiday of freedom," is traditionally marked by a family meal where the Haggadah is recited, symbolizing liberation. Numerous protesters emphasized that genuine celebration would only be achievable if all hostages were safely returned.
The initial phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire commenced on January 19 after 15 months of conflict, halting hostilities, enabling the release of some Israeli captives held by Hamas, and freeing certain Palestinian detainees.
The subsequent phase seeks to negotiate the release of the remaining hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
Hamas insists that any proposals must initiate this phase, while Israel has suggested extending the original 42-day truce.
As per Palestinian authorities, Israel's offensive has resulted in over 50,000 Palestinian fatalities.
The conflict was ignited after Hamas-led assailants launched an attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, claiming 1,200 lives and abducting 251 individuals, according to Israeli statistics.
