Hamas released a video on Saturday claiming to show the capture of Israeli hostage Matan Jangouker.
In the video, a man who identified himself as 24-year-old Matan Jangauker is seen pleading with Israeli leaders to strike a deal to bring back to Israel those held captive by Hamas in Gaza.
After Israel signed a historic ceasefire deal with Hezbollah in Lebanon last month, mediating countries including Qatar see increased momentum for a possible deal in exchange for the release of 100 Palestinian prisoners held in Gaza.
Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy has traveled to Qatar and Israel to try to kickstart the US president’s diplomatic push for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal before he takes office on January 20, a source briefed on the talks told Reuters.
Hamas has released several videos pleading for the release of hostages as the war enters its fifteenth month, but Israeli officials have dismissed the short, edited clips as psychological propaganda to pressure the government.
The Hostage Family Forum, which represents hostage family members, called the video “proof of life” and said it “provides further proof that the hostages are still alive and suffering gravely after more than 420 days in captivity”.