A new and distressing video of Israeli hostages has been released by the terrorist organization Hamas. The video, published Saturday, features Yosef-Haim Ohana and Elkanah Buchbut, both held captive in Gaza.
Viewer discretion is advised.
Video: A sign of life from Elkana Bohbot and Yosef-Haim Ohana
In the video, Ohana is seen tearfully addressing the camera. He identifies himself as "Prisoner Number 22" and points to Buchbut, calling him "Prisoner Number 21." Bohbot lies silently beside him throughout the footage. "But I don't want to talk about myself," Ohana says. "I want to talk about him, because his mental and physical condition is very bad."
Ohana describes how, since hearing that the war would stretch on for many more months – and realizing how much that endangers their lives – Bohbot has not stopped trying to harm himself. According to Ohana, Bohbot attempted suicide again a few days ago and had to be physically restrained by Ohana and a Hamas terrorist. "As a result, he also tried to hurt us. And since then, this is how things have been. Every minute here has become critical."
Ohana explains that Bohbot has stopped eating and drinking, and is unable to function at all. "He can't do anything but think about his son, Raam, and his wife, Rivka. He's not functioning." In solidarity, Ohana says, he too has stopped eating: "My friend's fate is my own."
Throughout the clip, Ohana addresses "our brothers, the pilots," praising those "who chose to stop flying and endangering our lives and signed what they signed." To the rest he demands: "What do you tell your families? What do you tell our families? What? What? What?"
He then appeals directly to Sara Netanyahu, alleging: "If you want to know how many prisoners are still alive – just ask Sara. Apparently, she knows things you don't." He asks her: "Tell me, what number do you want left so you'll get us out? Ten? Fifteen? Fewer than twenty? More than twenty? Tell me."
He concludes with a direct appeal to the leadership: "How is this war still going? A year and seven months! What else needs to happen that hasn't already? What else needs to be done that hasn't already been done? The whole country wants this to end. From now on – every drop of blood spilled, every further escalation – it's on your hands. Enough. It's time to stop. Time to stop. Time out."
Elkana Bohbot's family released the following statement:
"How much more can we bear? How much more can they bear? The fact that they are still there is a disgrace. Elkana and Yosef are crying out to be saved.
While the entire people of Israel hear their pleas, a handful of decision-makers refuse to listen. We call on you – find the courage and bring them and all the hostages home."
