Jerusalem: Israeli media released a previously withheld footage on Wednesday showing five pyjama-clad female soldiers who were taken hostage by Hamas militants during the October 7 attack that killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in Israel and triggered the devastating war in Gaza. The kin of the captives hoped the footage would increase pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree a truce with Hamas and secure the hostages’ release.
The government saw the release of the disturbing three-minute clip to national and international media as an opportunity to shore up support. “These girls are still in the captivity of Hamas. Please don’t look away,” government spokesperson David Mencer told reporters. “Watch the film. Support Israel in bringing our people home.”
