A new video released by Hamas's armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, features Israeli hostage Omri Miran urging an immediate prisoner exchange to end his 18-month captivity in Gaza. The emotional plea comes as ceasefire talks stall and violence escalates in the region.
In the footage, Miran—abducted during Hamas's October 2023 attack—claims hostages face constant danger from Israeli airstrikes. 'Without a deal, we may return in coffins,' he warns, while appealing for mass protests against Prime Minister Netanyahu's government.
Miran, who recently turned 48 in captivity, described worsening conditions in Gaza: 'Food and supplies are not entering. We’re receiving less every day.' His family called the video’s timing, released near Holocaust Remembrance Day, a 'disgrace.'
Israel's military campaign resumed in March after a temporary truce saw 33 hostages freed in exchange for ~1,800 Palestinian prisoners. Talks in Cairo, mediated by Egypt and Qatar, have yet to yield progress. Meanwhile, European nations demand urgent aid access to Gaza, citing starvation risks.
With 59 hostages still held (35 feared dead) and cross-border strikes killing dozens daily, hopes for a breakthrough remain dim. Stay tuned as this high-stakes standoff unfolds.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com