Hamas has released a new video showing Israeli hostages, calling for second phase of ceasefire deal with Israeli government.
The footage, shared by the group’s armed wing, the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, comes as the first stage of the Gaza ceasefire—implemented on January 19—was set to expire on Saturday with no clarity on what would follow.
The three-minute video shows five hostages sitting in a room, including Yair Horn, who was released on February 15, bidding emotional farewell to his brother Eitan, who remains captive. The footage also includes Sagui Dekel-Chen and two other unidentified hostages, whose faces were blurred.
In a visibly emotional and frustrated appeal, Eitan Horn called on the Israeli government to finalise a new deal.
“I do not want to hear that you do not want to complete the second phase. Have you gone crazy? My brother will leave, and I will stay here. And the rest of the people will stay here for a year and a half. What have you done for a year and a half? How many more people do you want to kill?” he said.
Eitan added, “Sign the second and third stage. Enough of war!”
The video ended with a message from Hamas stating: “Only a ceasefire agreement brings them back alive.” It is accompanied by the sound of ticking and an image of an egg timer with the words: “Time is running out.”
Hamas has proposed releasing all remaining hostages in a single phase under a second-stage ceasefire. However, Israel has rejected this approach, instead pushing for continued staggered releases under an extension of the first-stage agreement.
Following the video’s release, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office dismissed it as “Hamas propaganda.”
“The Hamas terrorist organisation has, this evening, disseminated another cruel propaganda video in which our hostages are forced to engage in psychological warfare,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement.
Reaffirming Israel’s stance, the statement added: “Israel will not be deterred by Hamas propaganda. We will continue to act relentlessly for the return of all of our hostages and until all objectives of the war are met.”
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, an Israeli group advocating for the captives’ release, said the Horn family had approved the publication of the footage.
“It breaks our heart to see Eitan in this difficult situation, saying goodbye to his brother, (Y)air, who is being freed while Eitan remains held in Hamas hell for 512 days now,” the Horn family said in a statement.
“We demand from the decision-makers: Look Eitan in the eyes. Don’t stop the agreement that has already brought dozens of hostages back to us. They are running out of time! Bring everyone home, now, in one phase.”
