Jerusalem: Hamas's armed wing has released a video showing Israeli hostage Elkana Bohbot, who is pleading for his release. Bohbot was taken captive during Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack at a music festival in southern Israel. In the footage, he urges the Israeli government to secure his freedom. This video, authorised by his family for publication, marks the second proof-of-life video of Bohbot to emerge in recent days. He is among the 59 hostages still being held by Hamas. The three-minute video, spoken in Hebrew, is the second hostage footage released by Hamas in recent days.
"For the second time, I am prisoner number 22," Bohbot says, directing his words to the Prime Minister.
"I am the one who asked to record the video. Hamas did not tell me to record the video. This is not psychological warfare. The real psychological war is me waking up without seeing my son, without my wife."
Elkana Bohbot, a 36-year-old contractor and 15-year member of the Histadrut, was captured by Hamas forces during the Nova music festival on October 7. Prior to his capture, Bohbot played a crucial role in treating and evacuating wounded concertgoers. He is husband to Rivka and a father of their five-year-old son. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum confirmed Bohbot's identity, stating that he was seen in another video alongside captive Yosef Haim Ohana.
In the video, Bohbot expresses concern over Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, highlighting the danger they pose to hostages like himself. He appeals to the Israeli government for his release, yearning to reunite with his wife and son. This plea comes after Israel resumed its offensive on March 18, following a temporary ceasefire. Hamas has warned that continued military actions could put the lives of the remaining 58 hostages at greater risk.
Of the 251 individuals taken captive, 58 are still held in Gaza, with the Israeli military stating that 34 of them are presumed dead.
Bassem Naim, a senior Hamas official, said that ceasefire negotiations were gaining momentum.
"We hope that the coming days will bring a real breakthrough in the war situation, following intensified communications with and between mediators in recent days," Naim said in a statement on Friday.
On Saturday evening, thousands of Israelis converged in Tel Aviv, urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to secure the release of hostages held captive; it included former hostages and relatives of those still in captivity, who are desperate for a resolution.
"Soon, Israel will celebrate Passover ... I wish for us to be able to hold the seder night with the hostages, who must return so that we can truly celebrate a real festival," said Yair Horn, a former hostage whose brother Eitan remains in Gaza.
"Prime Minister ... let's reach a deal without fighting."
The upcoming Jewish festival of Passover, known as the "holiday of freedom", is traditionally marked by a family meal where the Haggadah is read, symbolising liberation. Many protesters emphasised that true celebration would only be possible if all hostages were safely returned home.
(inputs from IANS)