The Islamist Hamas has once again released a video of a hostage kidnapped from Israel. It shows a 20-year-old soldier who also has US citizenship. In the video, which is set to threatening music in a dark environment, he calls on the future US President Donald Trump to support negotiations for the release of the hostages in the Gaza Strip.
In addition, Trump should not “repeat the mistake” of US President Joe Biden of supplying Israel with weapons that would kill the hostages. There are said to be around 100 hostages still in the captivity of the kidnappers, many of whom are probably already dead.
Hamas hostage speaks through tears and fear of death
The hostage takers repeatedly included scenes of the 20-year-old’s desperation and crying fits in the video. He initially spoke in Hebrew and accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of abandoning the hostages. He then addressed Trump directly in English.
It was initially unknown under what circumstances the video was made and whether the man spoke of his own free will or under threats. Israeli media assumed that he had to recite a given text. The recording is not dated, but the 20-year-old says in it that he has been a prisoner of Hamas “for more than 420 days.” He was kidnapped in the Hamas massacre on October 7, 2023, 420 days ago on Saturday.
