The families of seven female Israeli soldiers captured by Hamas during the October 7 attacks have released graphic footage of their abduction, increasing pressure on Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to secure their release. The video depicts the women, all IDF personnel, tied up against a wall, some with visible bruises and blood. Obtained by the Hostages Families Forum from the IDF, the footage reveals scenes previously edited out by Hamas.
Despite efforts, including a Gaza offensive resulting in over 35,000 Palestinian deaths, five of the captives remain in Hamas custody. The IDF believes around 130 hostages are still held in Gaza, with repeated attempts to negotiate ceasefire and release deals having failed. Hamas blames Israel’s rejection of a recent ceasefire plan for stalling negotiations, prolonging the captives’ ordeal. Israel says that Egypt entered a new negotiating point into the deal after parties had agreed on a certain version to be presented to Hamas heads.
