They Were Celebrating Inside a Tunnel in Gaza… Video of Deceased Hostages Sparks Anger Against Netanyahu
Videos showed six Israeli hostages celebrating inside a tunnel in Gaza, sparking outrage against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over his failure to secure their release.
The footage, published by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, depicts six hostages in an underground tunnel celebrating Hanukkah, months before their deaths in August 2024.
Two clips show the hostages lighting candles on a makeshift menorah made of plastic cups.
Hirsch Goldberg-Polin, Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Almog Sarusi, Ori Danino and Alex Lubianov can be heard reciting prayers before lighting the candles, in what is believed to be early December 2023, according to CNN.
In another clip, apparently from the second night of the holiday, Sarusi smiles at the camera and says: “It is now Hanukkah. Happy holiday to us and to all the people of Israel. We should celebrate every year and rejoice, and with the miracle of this holiday we will return home through a great miracle, return to a normal and happy life, and all rejoice together.”
Army Statement and Public Anger Toward Netanyahu
The Israeli military stated that the six hostages seen in the footage were killed as forces approached the location where they were held, adding that a Hamas member fired at them.
The videos sparked renewed fury toward Netanyahu for failing to secure a hostage-release deal, according to CNN.
Three of the hostages were expected to be released as part of the first phase of a future ceasefire agreement.
Life of the Hostages in Gaza
The footage released Thursday by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum showed glimpses of the hostages’ daily life during captivity.
All the videos broadcast on Israel’s Channel 12 included the statement: “Material seized by the Israeli army.”
In other short clips, some hostages are seen playing cards or chess on mats placed on the ground. Another clip shows a Hamas member placing fruit on the floor in front of them.
One video shows the hostages preparing for the New Year. When the countdown reaches zero, they embrace and wish each other “Happy New Year,” appearing calm as they look at the camera and express hope for their release.
Yerushalmi says: “Happy New Year to everyone, to all the families, and to all the people of Israel. We look forward to returning home.”
Goldberg-Polin, who holds both American and Israeli citizenship, waves at the camera and says: “We are here, healthy and alive — they are taking care of us, we are fine. We want to go home.” His left arm, injured during the October 7, 2023 attack, is visible in the video.
The families said the six “were kidnapped alive and should have returned alive.”
They added: “Nothing will bring back our loved ones. Only revealing the truth and assuming national responsibility can achieve justice.” They also urged renewed efforts to recover the remains of Ran Givly, still held in Gaza.
