Hamas Publishes Footage of Israeli-American Captive
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Hamas has released a video showing Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander, who has been in captivity since October 7, 2023. The footage reveals his distress and calls for his government to act for his release. Negotiations for hostages remain stalled amid ongoing military operations in Gaza.
Key Takeaways
- Video of captive Edan Alexander released by Hamas.
- Alexander expresses distress and criticism of Israeli government.
- 59 hostages remain captive in Gaza, 24 believed alive.
- Ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas are stalled.
- Israeli airstrikes resumed, resulting in significant casualties.
Gaza, April 13 (NationPress) The Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed faction of Hamas, has unveiled a video featuring Israeli-American captive Edan Alexander, who has been confined in the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023.
In the recently released footage, Alexander appeared visibly distressed both physically and mentally. He questioned, "Why am I here and not at home with my family and friends?"
Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, and raised in New Jersey, Alexander celebrated his 21st birthday while in captivity. After completing high school in 2022, he moved back to Israel to join the military. He was captured by Palestinian militants during their surprise assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, as reported by Xinhua.
Within the video, Alexander articulated his difficulties and voiced fears regarding his safety amidst the ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza. He also criticized the Israeli government for its inability to facilitate his release.
In response to the video's airing, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu communicated with Alexander's family, assuring them that dedicated efforts were underway to ensure the release of all hostages.
The initial six-week phase of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas concluded on March 1, and discussions concerning the subsequent phase remain at an impasse.
Out of the 251 hostages taken during the attack on October 7, 2023, 59 are still being held in the Gaza Strip, with Israel estimating that 24 of them are alive.
On March 14, Hamas announced that it had consented to mediators regarding the release of Alexander along with the remains of four other hostages.
Following March 18, Israeli forces resumed airstrikes in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of 1,563 Palestinians and injuring 4,004 others, as reported by Gaza's health authorities on Saturday.
