ALBAWABA — A new video published by Hamas' military branch, Al-Qassam Brigades, features an Israeli prisoner who says he barely escaped two Israeli bombings during the current fighting in Gaza.
The prisoner, who called himself "number 24," had cuts on his left arm and face that were clearly visible. He testified that the first attack happened only two months after a truce broke down, causing Al-Qassam militants to shelter him inside a tunnel. He survived another bombing while he was underground.
This revelation comes after Al-Qassam released video last week that showed militants attempting to free Israeli hostages during a bombing; however, the identity of the hostages were not revealed at the time.
In the most recent video, the hostage spoke about his worsening health and how he was unable to get medication or be transferred to a hospital. He said he had no idea what had happened to another prisoner, who he only knew as "Bar," who had apparently been in the area at the time of one of the assaults.
The detainee, who criticized Israeli officials, said that if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's son or another senior person had been stranded in Gaza, the war may have been over. "How can you raise flags and host celebrations while we are still here?" he said, in reference to Israel's Independence Day celebrations, while 59 prisoners are still in captivity.
He made a direct appeal to Israelis, calling for large-scale demonstrations to put pressure on the government to secure their release. "This is something you can help make happen. He warned that his family may never see this film again, saying, "Without your help, there is no hope."
"They will only depart through a deal," the Al-Qassam Brigades said firmly as they wrapped up the film. There is not much time left.
The publication of the footage comes as tensions in Israel are rising. In spite of growing internal opposition, the Israeli security cabinet is getting ready to approve a more extensive military campaign in Gaza. Prime Minister Netanyahu reaffirmed his determination to fight until all prisoners are free and Hamas is destroyed. Israeli military leader Eyal Zamir, meanwhile, said that the army is prepared to intensify its operations even further.
