Hamas's armed wing released video of two men held hostage in Gaza who are seen alive and urging Israeli authorities to strike a deal for the release of all the remaining captives.

Rafah

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel is 'at war' following a surprise attack from Gaza by Hamas militants.

Israel-Gaza War

Hamas's armed wing has recently released a video showcasing two Israeli men who are currently being held hostage in Gaza. The hostages are seen alive and have made appeals to Israeli authorities, urging them to negotiate for their and the remaining captives' release. The two men were identified by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum as Keith Siegel, 64, and Omri Miran, 47. In the video, Miran described their challenging conditions and mentioned their long period of captivity, stating it had been 202 days since their capture, with the video being released two days after this marker.

The video emerged amid a backdrop of protests in Tel Aviv, where participants expressed frustration with the Israeli government's handling of the situation. Demonstrators in Hostages Square criticized the government for its perceived inaction in securing the release of hostages taken by Hamas. Additionally, a poignant scene unfolded as one hostage's father publicly addressed Israeli decision-makers at the rally, demanding leadership and an immediate resolution to bring the captives home. He specifically called on Prime Minister Netanyahu and other officials to secure the hostages' release, emphasizing that no political position is worth the lives at stake.

This development coincides with ongoing efforts by international entities such as Qatar, the US, and Egypt, who have been working towards a ceasefire deal. Their endeavors follow a brief pause in hostilities last November, which saw the exchange of 80 Israeli hostages for 240 Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons. Currently, Hamas is reviewing the latest counter-proposal from Israel for a ceasefire and the release of hostages, marking a critical juncture in the efforts to resolve this prolonged conflict.



Hamas releases video of two Israeli hostages

A Passover table covered in red, here at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv. According to these Israelis, it symbolises the blood on the government's hands. Many protesting in the square accused authorities of not doing enough to bring the hostages taken by Hamas home. The government which abandoned Matan and many others on October 7 is hardening its heart. For what? Prime Minister Netanyahu, I am turning to you. There is no chair in the world that is worth the life of my son Matan and the lives of 132 other abductees. On Saturday, Hamas released this video of two Israeli hostages held in Gaza. The men were identified by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum as Keith Siegel, aged 64, and Omri Miran, aged 47. Miran said that the situation was difficult and that there were many bombs. He claimed to be speaking on day 202 of captivity. The video was released 204 days into the war. His father was at the rally in Tel Aviv when the video was released, breaking down in tears. He later gathered the strength to speak as protesters chanted in support of him. On this stage, I appeal to all the Israeli decision-makers, including Benvir and Smotrich. Approve a deal and bring the hostages back. For once, just once, show leadership. I demand that the leaders of this country watch this video and see their own father crying out for help. In the video, where the men appear to speak under duress, they appeal to the Israeli government to agree a deal with Hamas for a truce that would see the captives freed. It comes as Hamas said it was studying the latest Israeli counter-proposal for a Gaza ceasefire and the release of the hostages. Qatar, the US and Egypt have been attempting to secure a new ceasefire deal since a one-week pause in the fighting in November saw the release of 80 Israeli hostages in exchange for 240 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.

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Ukraine Invasion

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Israel-Gaza War