Israeli Captive Appeals for Release in Video Message
Video released by Hamas features an Israeli prisoner urging authorities to negotiate a deal for his freedom.
On March 29, 2025, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, released a video featuring an Israeli prisoner identified as Prisoner Number 22. In the video, the prisoner made an emotional appeal for his release, addressing Israeli authorities directly.
He stated that the video was made voluntarily and emphasized that his suffering stemmed from being separated from his wife and children, rather than being a product of psychological warfare.
In his plea, the prisoner expressed distress over his circumstances, stating, "I'm suffocating, I have no food, and I'm afraid I'll die here." He also appealed to the General Federation of Labor in Israel, highlighting his 15 years of service and questioning why he had not received support.
The video closed with a stark message from al-Qassam declaring that the captives would only be released through a negotiated deal, underscored by the phrase "Time is running out" presented in Hebrew, Arabic, and English.
The release of this video coincides with increasing pressure from the families of Israeli prisoners on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to facilitate negotiations for their loved ones' return.
Families are planning to gather outside the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv as part of ongoing protests demanding action.
In parallel, Hamas has rejected demands from both the United States and Israel for additional releases of captives, arguing that Israel has violated the terms of a truce by resuming military operations in Gaza.
The group has reiterated its position that a prisoner exchange deal remains the only viable path to the release of detainees.
Following the resumption of conflict, Hamas has released several videos aimed at intensifying public and governmental pressure on Israeli leaders amid growing dissatisfaction among the public concerning the handling of the hostage situation.
He stated that the video was made voluntarily and emphasized that his suffering stemmed from being separated from his wife and children, rather than being a product of psychological warfare.
In his plea, the prisoner expressed distress over his circumstances, stating, "I'm suffocating, I have no food, and I'm afraid I'll die here." He also appealed to the General Federation of Labor in Israel, highlighting his 15 years of service and questioning why he had not received support.
The video closed with a stark message from al-Qassam declaring that the captives would only be released through a negotiated deal, underscored by the phrase "Time is running out" presented in Hebrew, Arabic, and English.
The release of this video coincides with increasing pressure from the families of Israeli prisoners on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to facilitate negotiations for their loved ones' return.
Families are planning to gather outside the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv as part of ongoing protests demanding action.
In parallel, Hamas has rejected demands from both the United States and Israel for additional releases of captives, arguing that Israel has violated the terms of a truce by resuming military operations in Gaza.
The group has reiterated its position that a prisoner exchange deal remains the only viable path to the release of detainees.
Following the resumption of conflict, Hamas has released several videos aimed at intensifying public and governmental pressure on Israeli leaders amid growing dissatisfaction among the public concerning the handling of the hostage situation.
