Hamas releases frightening hostage video: fate of prisoners uncertain

Hamas releases frightening hostage video: fate of prisoners uncertain

On April 5, 2025, the issue of the ongoing hostage-taking and attempts to create peace between Israel and Hamas is of great importance. In particular, the publication of a video of two hostages by the Ezzedin al-Qassam Brigades highlights the precarious situation. The video, which has not received confirmation of its authenticity, shows hostages Herkin and another man. Herkin, who is a Russian citizen, attracts attention for his visible injuries.

The hostages were kidnapped on October 7, 2023 during the attack on the Nova music festival in southern Israel. This major attack, which killed around 1,200 people in total, is considered the largest mass murder since the Holocaust and was the worst civilian massacre in Israel's history. At least 364 people were killed during the attack on the festival, and hundreds more injured people had to be treated in the following days.

The background to the attack

The event, known as the Supernova Sukkot Gathering, attracted around 3,500 participants and took place near the Gaza Strip. Early on the morning of October 7, the attackers launched a massive rocket attack, followed by armed disruptive squads who infiltrated the festival grounds on motorcycles and trucks. The surveillance situation was catastrophic and the reactions of the security forces on site led to massive delays in aid.

Reports indicate that 40 people were taken hostage during the raid. This act was part of a larger Hamas offensive targeting numerous civilians in the region. In fact, this came after a series of tensions exacerbated by the blockade of Gaza and conflicts at Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The situation of the hostages

As reporting shows, a total of 251 people were taken hostage during the attack. By January 19, 2024, 33 hostages had been released in a once-imposed ceasefire, although eight of these hostages had already died. There are currently 58 hostages still held by Hamas, and 34 of them are believed to be dead.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that he will gradually increase pressure on Hamas to rescue the remaining hostages. Military operations have increased in the Gaza Strip and Hamas warns that the attacks threaten the safety of the hostages. Over 5,400 people were injured during the raid and military response, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis on the ground.

The international community has classified the attack as a serious crime and monitored Israel's subsequent response. The conflicts were further inflamed with the appointment of 300,000 reservists and the opening of a ground offensive under the name “Iron Swords”.

The hostage crisis and military conflict between Hamas and Israel have not only local but also global implications, causing a rise in anti-Semitic incidents in various countries and sparking discussions about human rights in the context of the current conflicts.

Reports of the fate of the hostages, as well as the plight in Gaza, remain a key topic in international news as both sides continue to work toward de-escalation of the conflict.