New Footage Shows Israeli Hostages Marking Hanukkah in Gaza Tunnels Before Their Deaths

The footage shows six Israeli hostages held in Gaza. It was filmed in a tunnel months before they were killed. It shows them lighting Hanukkah candles and sitting on the floor. The video was shared by the families’ forum on Thursday. The hostages were taken during the October 7 attack.

The material was found in Gaza, according to Associated Press. It documents moments of their captivity during late 2023. The Israeli army later found their bodies in a tunnel in Rafah. Officials said they had been shot at close range.

New Footage Raises Fresh Questions Over Hostage Treatment

The video shows the hostages in dim tunnels. They sit on blankets. They play cards. They speak to the camera. According to Reuters, the families said Hamas recorded the videos as propaganda.

The hostages shown include Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Ori Danino, Eden Yerushalmi, Almog Sarusi, Alexander Lobanov, and Carmel Gat. All were kidnapped on October 7. All were confirmed dead by August the following year. The Health Ministry said each died from gunshot wounds.

The families said the footage is painful but needed. They said the world must see the conditions in which their loved ones lived. They said the six survived months in captivity and deserved to return alive. The release comes days before Hanukkah this year.

The families also said the videos highlight delays in reaching a deal. They reminded the public that one hostage’s remains are still in Gaza. Talks for the second phase of a ceasefire plan are ongoing.

The Hostages’ Story and the Wider Impact

The footage revived debate inside Israel. Many citizens blame leaders for slow progress in talks. Protests grew after the six deaths were announced. They continue today as the ceasefire process moves through new stages.

According to AP, relatives said they had seen the clips months ago. They only received copies recently from the army. They said the videos show unity and strength among the captives. They also show their hope to return home.

One clip shows Goldberg-Polin smiling and saying he is alive and well. Another shows Sarusi beside Hanukkah candles. He wishes Israel a happy holiday. He says he hopes miracles will bring them home.

The images also show the harsh tunnel environment. Blankets and candles are visible. Chess pieces sit between two hostages. The tunnels appear narrow and cold.

The deaths last year sparked a national outcry. Some relatives accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of failing to secure a timely deal. They said the hostages were alive for months and could have been saved.

The new footage adds pressure on leaders as they face a divided public. The images of the hostages during Hanukkah bring renewed focus to their final months. The Israeli hostage issue remains one of the most sensitive parts of the conflict.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What does the new hostage footage show?

It shows six Israeli hostages in a Gaza tunnel. They light Hanukkah candles and speak to the camera. The clips were recorded months before they were killed.

Q2: Who released the footage?

The families’ forum released it. They said it was filmed by Hamas and later recovered in Gaza. They said the world should see the hostages’ final months.

Q3: How were the hostages killed?

The Israeli army said they were shot at close range. Their bodies were found in a tunnel in Rafah. This was confirmed by the Health Ministry.

Q4: Why is the footage important now?

It comes as new ceasefire talks approach a key phase. Public pressure in Israel is rising. The images add urgency to the hostage debate.

Q5: What do families want?

They want a full deal to return the remaining hostages. They also want accountability. They say their loved ones could have been saved.

Trusted Sources
Reuters
Associated Press