Daijiworld Media Network – Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Sep 6: Hamas has released fresh video footage showing two Israeli hostages seized during its October 2023 cross-border attack, as Israel intensifies its push inside Gaza City.

The video, circulated late Thursday, shows 27-year-old Guy Gilboa-Dalal, abducted from the Nova music festival, saying he and eight others are still being held in Gaza City despite Israel’s planned ground offensive. He pleads for his release in footage dated August 28. The clip also shows captive Alon Ohel for the first time since he was taken nearly 700 days ago.

Both men are among 48 hostages still held by Hamas, 20 of whom are believed to be alive. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke “at length” with their families, reiterating that the war would end only if Hamas freed all hostages. “No evil propaganda video will weaken us or divert us from our determination,” his office said.

Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir demanded full occupation of Gaza in response, calling it the only way to “bring back the hostages in security.”

However, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum accused the government of stalling negotiations, insisting that only a return to talks could bring their loved ones home. Marking 700 days since the October 7 attack, families rallied in Tel Aviv’s “hostages square,” pressing for a deal.

Mediators Qatar and Egypt have proposed a 60-day truce under which Hamas would release 10 living hostages and 18 bodies in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Hamas has signalled acceptance, but Israel has not responded, maintaining that all hostages must be freed at once.

Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces confirmed striking Gaza City’s Mushtaha Tower on Friday, claiming Hamas used the site for “terrorist activity.” Gaza’s health ministry said 30 Palestinians, including 20 in the city, were killed in the past 24 hours.

Israel says its forces now control 40% of Gaza City, a Hamas stronghold. But the United Nations has warned of “horrific humanitarian consequences” for the one million displaced people sheltering there. At least 64,300 Palestinians have died since Israel launched its campaign, according to Gaza’s health ministry, which also reports 376 deaths from malnutrition and starvation, including three in the past day.

The war began with Hamas’s October 2023 assault that killed 1,200 people and saw 251 others taken hostage.