Israel releases new video of Hamas’ ‘cruel’ actions as international backing wanes | Global News

Israel-Hamas Conflict Escalates as Israel Releases Video of Captive Women Soldiers

In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, tensions have reached a new high as Israel released a video showing five women soldiers held captive by Hamas. The video, which Israel claims was taken on October 7, has sparked outrage and condemnation from around the world.

The three-minute footage, released by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, shows the women soldiers being held captive by Hamas militants. The forum, established by the families of the abductees, described the video as a “damning testament to the nation’s failure to bring home the hostages.”

The hostages, identified as Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Agam Berger, Daniella Gilboa, and Naama Levy, were among the 250 people abducted on October 7. According to reports, about 129 hostages remain captive under Hamas.

Hamas has dismissed the video as manipulated and claimed that the authenticity of its content cannot be confirmed. The group also denied mistreating the female soldiers, accusing Israel of promoting a fabricated narrative.

Israeli President Issac Herzog condemned Hamas’ actions as a “cruel atrocity” and called on the world to support Israel in bringing the captive soldiers home. Government spokesperson David Mencer urged the global community not to look away and to watch the video to understand the gravity of the situation.

The release of the video comes as Israel faces criticism for its military operations in Gaza, which have resulted in the deaths of over 35,000 people, mostly civilians. The conflict has also left 2.3 million people in Gaza homeless, with Israel facing accusations of committing genocide.

In response to the escalating conflict, Spain, Ireland, and Norway have announced their intention to formally recognize Palestine as a state in a bid for peace in the Middle East. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly objected to this decision, stating that rewarding terrorism will not bring peace.