The families of several Israeli female soldiers taken hostage during the Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7 released new footage of their abduction in an attempt to pressure the Israeli government to revive apparently stalled cease-fire talks that could pave the way for their loved ones’ release.
It was not clear how or when the families obtained the video footage or why they decided to release it now. Some Israeli politicians immediately seized on it to try to rebuff the decision by Ireland, Norway, and Spain to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state. Israel Katz, the foreign minister, said he would screen the footage during a “severe scolding” for the countries’ ambassadors.
In the video, which was not independently verified by The New York Times, Palestinian fighters, some wearing Hamas headbands, can be seen binding the hands of five Israeli female hostages who served as lookouts at Nahal Oz, a military base near the Gaza border. At least two of the hostages’ faces are bloodied. The militants repeatedly threaten the soldiers.
Talks to secure the release of the more than 125 hostages still held in Gaza have been at a standstill since Israel began its assault on the southern city of Rafah in early May. Israeli forces operating in northern Gaza retrieved the bodies of four Israelis abducted on Oct. 7, heightening fears for the remaining captives.
The Hostage Families Forum Headquarters, an umbrella body representing the families of those held captive, identified the five lookouts as Naama Levy, Agam Berger, Liri Albag, Karina Ariev and Daniela Gilboa. The footage was recorded by body cameras borne by the Hamas militants who abducted them, the organization said.
Families of hostages met with senior Israeli leaders on Wednesday, including Yoav Gallant, the defense minister, and Benny Gantz, a member of the country’s war cabinet, in an attempt to lobby for an immediate agreement with Hamas.
“The video is a damning testament to the nation’s failure to bring home the hostages, who have been forsaken for 229 days,” the Hostage Families Forum Headquarters said in a statement.
