Hamas releases new video of Israeli hostage Elkana Bohbot

File Source: YouTube

Hamas on Saturday released a third video of Israeli hostage Elkana Bohbot, taken from the Nova music festival near Kibbutz Re’im during the October 7, 2023, terror attack. The edited footage shows Bohbot visibly distressed and weakened, speaking to his family in a scripted phone call while pleading for help.

In the video, Bohbot expresses fear for his life and appeals for intervention. He references petitions by Israel Defense Forces reservists demanding a hostage release deal and calls on his brother to seek help from U.S. President Donald Trump. “The situation is getting worse,” he says.

Bohbot’s family reacted with anguish and frustration. “We are devastated,” they said in a statement. “Why has our son not been prioritized?” They also questioned why Elkana was not included in earlier humanitarian releases facilitated by international mediators.

The video is the latest psychological warfare tactic employed by Hamas, which Israeli officials say aims to manipulate public opinion and undermine internal unity. The group has used similar footage before to apply pressure on the Israeli government and delay military action.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, responding the same day, reaffirmed his stance against Hamas’s demands for a permanent ceasefire in exchange for hostages. “Pressure must be maintained,” he said, as the Israeli military continues operations in Gaza.

According to Israeli intelligence, 59 hostages remain in Hamas captivity, but fewer than half are believed to be alive. The October 7 attack left more than 1,200 people dead and over 250 hostages taken into Gaza. Since then, Israel has mounted a large-scale military campaign to dismantle Hamas and recover the remaining captives.