Hamas released a propaganda video on Friday showing two Israeli hostages, Guy Gilboa-Dalal and Alon Ohel, in Gaza City, as the Israeli military intensified its offensive in the area. The video, purportedly filmed on August 28, depicts the captives being driven around the city, with Gilboa-Dalal pleading for an end to the war and the Israeli assault on Gaza City.
In the nearly four-minute video, Gilboa-Dalal is seen in a car passing damaged buildings, and he claims that there are eight other hostages held in Gaza City who will perish if the military operation proceeds. Alon Ohel appears later in the footage, and the two embrace, expressing disbelief at their reunion. CNN has verified the video’s location to Gaza City, and it marks a rare above-ground recording by Hamas, aimed at swaying Israeli public opinion amid the escalating conflict.
The release occurred on the 700th day of the Israel-Hamas war, with widespread protests in Israel demanding a ceasefire and the hostages’ return. Hamas stated in August that it accepted a mediator-proposed deal from Qatar and Egypt for a phased hostage release during a 60-day truce, but Israel has not responded, insisting on a comprehensive agreement that includes all hostages’ release and Hamas’s disarmament.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with the hostages’ families, reaffirming that no propaganda would deter Israel from its goals. However, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum called for immediate resumption of negotiations, emphasizing that a deal is on the table and could end the war. Opposition leader Yair Lapid also urged a return to talks to secure the hostages’ safety.
Simultaneously, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have advanced into Gaza City, controlling approximately 40% of the area and planning to expand operations. Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that military activity would intensify until Hamas accepts Israel’s conditions. Strikes have resulted in significant casualties, with Gaza’s health ministry reporting 30 Palestinians killed in the past 24 hours, including 20 in Gaza City, and at least seven children among the dead.
The humanitarian crisis is severe, with the UN and aid groups highlighting a ‘man-made’ famine and horrific conditions for displaced families. Over a million people are in Gaza City, with few evacuating despite Israeli warnings; only about 70,000 have left so far. Residents describe terrifying nights of bombardment, shortages of water, medicine, and food, and many refuse to flee, preferring to face death in their homes rather than endure displacement.
Internationally, a top EU official criticized Europe’s response, labeling the situation as genocide, a claim rejected by Israel as baseless propaganda. The conflict, sparked by Hamas’s October 2023 attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostages, has led to over 64,300 Palestinian deaths and continues with no resolution, deepening regional turmoil and suffering on both sides.