Hamas publishes a video with two hostages asking Netanyahu to negotiate: "The situation here is not pleasant"

The Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, the military faction of Hamas, released a new video on Saturday featuring hostages Keith Siegel and Omri Miran. In the video, the hostages plead with the Israeli Government to engage in negotiations for their release.

Siegel, 64, and Miran, 46, appear in an undated video but make reference to the recent Jewish Passover, a traditional family celebration. They also mention that they have been held captive for 202 days. As of Saturday, their captivity has extended to 204 days since the Palestinian group launched its offensive on Israeli territory.

“The situation here is extremely difficult. There are frequent bombings, and it feels like things are only getting worse. I implore the prime minister and the entire government to come to the negotiating table,” states American-Israeli Siegel.

Furthermore, the hostages urge the Israeli population to “do everything possible to exert pressure and continue with the protests” in order to push for an agreement. Siegel adds, “I have witnessed the demonstrations in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem multiple times.”

On the other hand, Israeli authorities consistently condemn the release of these videos, considering them a tactic of psychological warfare employed by Hamas. However, the families of the hostages, upon learning about the video, have urged the government to make a decisive choice between Rafá or the release of the hostages, hoping to incentivize progress towards an agreement.

“Hostages or war”

“The State of Israel must make a choice: hostages or war. Entering Rafá will only result in more hostages being killed or risking their lives in warfare. Choosing to enter Rafá will only lead to the demise of the hostages. Israel needs to prioritize the safe return of the hostages,” states their plea.

Furthermore, the hostage families are urging Benny Gantz, the second-in-command of the Israeli War Cabinet, and Gadi Eisenkot to collaborate in removing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from office due to his failure to secure the release of the hostages.