Hamas has released a video of Liri Albag, a 19-year-old Israeli soldier, as negotiations for a renewed ceasefire in Gaza intensify.
The undated footage shows Albag, one of five female soldiers abducted during Hamas’ October 7 attack, expressing distress and pleading for her release after being held hostage for 450 days.
Speaking in Hebrew, Albag appeals to the Israeli government to act, stating, “Today is the beginning of a new year; the whole world is celebrating. Only we are entering a dark year, a year of loneliness.”
She also mentions that one of her fellow captives has been injured, describing their ordeal as “an extremely terrifying nightmare.”
The soldier’s family reacted with anguish, describing the video as heartbreaking.
The family, who authorised the release of two photos but not the video itself, also issued a plea to decision-makers, “Today’s video has torn our hearts to pieces. This is not the daughter and sister we know. She is not well – her severe psychological distress is evident.
“We watched our heroic Liri surviving and pleading for her life. She is just dozens of kilometers away from us, yet for 456 days we have been unable to bring her home.
“We appeal to the Prime Minister, world leaders, and all decision-makers: It’s time to make decisions as if your own children were there!
“Liri is alive and must return alive! This depends only on you! You must not miss this current opportunity to bring them back. All of them.”
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