'Prisoner 24': Hamas releases footage of alleged wounded Israeli hostage
The
Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades
, Hamas's military division, released footage on Saturday depicting what seemed to be an Israeli captive who sustained injuries during a Gaza strike.
The unverified four-minute recording shows a person with bandages covering his head and left arm, who identified himself as "Prisoner 24". Speaking Hebrew with a Russian inflection, he indicated he had been wounded in a recent Israeli attack.
The footage, showing the individual on the ground, referenced the Israeli Independence Day celebrations on Thursday, suggesting recent filming.
His message aligned with previous hostage videos from the organisation, requesting public pressure on Israeli authorities for the release of remaining captives.
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Times of Israel pointed out that the footage is of
Maxim Herkin
, who appeared to be bandaged up. Hamas claims that he was in a tunnel allegedly targeted in an Israeli airstrike.
Government hostage pointman Gal Hirsch had spoken with the family of Herkin. According to Hirsch's office, the parents implored that Israeli news outlets not air the video of their son.
The militant group continues to hold 58 hostages captured during their October 2023 assault on Israel. Military officials confirm 34 are deceased. Additionally, Hamas possesses the remains of an Israeli soldier who died in a 2014 Gaza conflict.
The Hamas incursion resulted in 1,218 fatalities on the Israeli side, predominantly civilians, according to AFP calculations using official data.
A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect on January 19, substantially reducing over 15 months of conflict.
Israel recommenced significant operations throughout Gaza on March 18 following an impasse regarding ceasefire progression.
Israeli authorities state their renewed campaign aims to secure the release of remaining captives, though critics suggest this approach endangers their lives.
Hamas has distributed multiple hostage videos since the truce ended. These recent images emerge as mediator efforts for a new ceasefire have reached an impasse.
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