Hamas has released a new video showing two Israeli hostages seized during the cross-border attack on Israel in October 2023. The footage, dated 28 August, shows Guy Gilboa-Dalal, who was captured at the Nova music festival in southern Israel, pleading for his release while seated in a car in Gaza City. The video also features Alon Ohel, marking the first time he has been seen since his abduction 700 days ago.
Gilboa-Dalal was previously seen in a Hamas video released in February. They are among the 48 hostages still held by Hamas, 20 of whom are believed to be alive. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with the parents of both men following the video’s release, emphasizing that the war could end immediately if Hamas meets Israel’s demands, which include the release of all hostages.
“No evil propaganda video will weaken us or divert us from our determination to achieve these goals,” Netanyahu’s office stated. However, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum urged the government to return to negotiations, emphasizing that any real effort to bring the hostages home must prioritize a comprehensive deal for all 48 captives.
Hamas previously agreed to a plan brokered by Qatar and Egypt in August, which proposed releasing 10 living hostages and the bodies of 18 deceased captives during a 60-day truce in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Israel has not responded to the proposal, insisting that all hostages must be freed simultaneously.
Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, said military operations would “intensify” until Hamas complies, warning that the group could be “destroyed” otherwise. Meanwhile, opposition leader Yair Lapid called for negotiations to resume to secure a ceasefire and free the hostages.
The conflict has taken a heavy toll on Gaza. Hamas-run health authorities reported 30 Palestinian deaths over the past 24 hours, while Israel confirmed strikes on a Gaza City tower block allegedly used by Hamas. Recent Israeli operations have claimed control of roughly 40% of Gaza City, a known Hamas stronghold. Aid groups and the UN have warned of worsening humanitarian conditions, including famine, widespread displacement, and civilian casualties.
The October 2023 Hamas attack left 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 hostages taken, prompting Israel’s ongoing military campaign, which has resulted in over 64,000 Palestinian deaths and hundreds of famine-related fatalities in Gaza.
