Gaza: The parents of Alon Ohel, a 24-year-old Israeli musician who was abducted to the Gaza Strip two years ago, have urged the media not to circulate a newly released video of him by the Hamas movement. ‘Our family is shocked and full of pain,’ they expressed in a forum with relatives of those abducted on October 7, 2023.

According to Ghana News Agency, Ohel was captured during the Nova Festival, held near the border with the Gaza Strip. In the video, he appeared thin and anxious, his parents noted, adding that he seemed to be losing sight in his right eye. Idit and Kobi Ohel demanded that eye specialists examine and treat their son as a condition for any negotiations.

They also appealed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of the Jewish New Year, emphasizing that the fate of young Israelis was in his hands. ‘Do not break the heart of the Israeli people,’ they wrote, stressing the urgency of returning Alon and other hostages to their families.

Official Israeli information indicates that 48 hostages are currently held, with at least 20 believed to be alive. Hamas has consistently released videos of hostages, which the Israeli government views as terrorist propaganda. While relatives have sometimes approved the publication of these videos, recent images of emaciated hostages in tunnels have shocked the Israeli public.