Hamas has released a video depicting two Israeli hostages, Guy Gilboa-Dalal and Alon Ohel, who were abducted from a music festival in Israel in October 2023. The video, dated August 28, shows Mr. Gilboa-Dalal stating that he is being held in Gaza City, amidst fears of being killed due to Israel’s ongoing military offensive in the region.
The release of the video has intensified the already tense situation in Gaza, where the Israeli military is conducting a major offensive aimed at dismantling the militant group. Currently, Hamas is holding 48 hostages, with only 20 believed to be alive. This follows a cross-border attack by Palestinian militants in 2023, which resulted in the capture of 251 hostages and the deaths of approximately 1,200 people in southern Israeli communities.
The Hostage Crisis: A Closer Look
The video features Mr. Gilboa-Dalal, 24, appearing exhausted and speaking for about three and a half minutes. He is seen in the back seat of a car, identifying buildings, including one belonging to the Red Cross, which has been denied access to the hostages by Hamas. Mr. Ohel, also 24, appears briefly in the footage. The authenticity of the video could not be independently verified by ABC.
Hostages who have appeared in similar videos and were subsequently freed have reported being coerced into making statements. The Ohel family expressed shock at their relative’s condition, revealing that Alon has lost sight in his right eye, as confirmed by consultations with eye specialists worldwide.
“After consulting with eye specialists in Israel and around the world, it is clear that Alon has lost sight in his right eye,” the Ohel family stated on social media.
Human Rights Watch has condemned the release of such videos, labeling it as inhumane treatment that constitutes a war crime. Israeli officials have described these videos as psychological warfare, further complicating the already delicate situation.
International Reactions and Diplomatic Efforts
The release of the video has sparked widespread demonstrations in Israel, with tens of thousands calling for an end to the war to secure the hostages’ release. Hundreds gathered in Tel Aviv to mark 700 days since the hostages were taken.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has communicated with the hostages’ families, advocating for a comprehensive deal with Hamas to release all hostages. Opposition Leader Yair Lapid has urged Israeli negotiators to resume talks, emphasizing the need for diplomatic solutions.
Past hostage releases were facilitated through negotiations mediated by the United States and Arab states. However, the latest round of talks collapsed in July. U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Washington is engaged in “very deep” negotiations with Hamas, urging the group to release all hostages.
“Washington is in ‘very deep’ negotiations with Hamas,” President Trump stated, urging the release of all hostages.
Meanwhile, Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has called for a full occupation of Gaza, a move that military leaders have warned could endanger the hostages. Families of the captives share this concern, fearing further escalation could jeopardize their loved ones’ safety.
Military Developments in Gaza
In a parallel development, Israeli forces have intensified their military campaign in Gaza. Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered the capture of Gaza City, the largest urban center in the enclave, which the government deems the last stronghold of Hamas.
As of Thursday, an Israeli military spokesperson reported control over approximately 40 percent of Gaza City, which housed about 1 million people before the conflict. The military claims to control about 75 percent of Gaza overall.
On Friday, the Israeli military bombed a high-rise in the city’s west, alleging its use by Hamas. The building’s management, however, denied these claims, asserting it served as a shelter for displaced Palestinians. The attack resulted in the building’s collapse, sending clouds of smoke over nearby camps.
More than 64,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the war with Israel began, according to local health authorities.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, 30 Palestinians were killed by the military on Friday, including 20 in Gaza City. The ongoing conflict has left much of the enclave in ruins, with residents facing a dire humanitarian crisis.
The situation remains precarious as international calls for a ceasefire grow louder. Hamas has indicated a willingness to release some hostages in exchange for a temporary ceasefire, but the path to peace remains fraught with challenges.
