Daijiworld Media Network – Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv, Mar 30: Hamas's armed wing has released a video showing Israeli hostage Elkana Bohbot pleading for his release, marking the second proof-of-life footage of him in recent days.

Bohbot, 36, was abducted from the Nova music festival during Hamas’s October 7 attack on southern Israel. In the video, he directly appeals to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying, "I am the one who asked to record the video. Hamas did not tell me to record the video." He describes the true psychological toll as waking up every day without seeing his wife and five-year-old son.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum confirmed Bohbot’s identity. He was recently seen in another video alongside captive Yosef Haim Ohana. In the latest footage, he expresses concern over Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, fearing they endanger the lives of hostages.

Since Israel resumed its offensive on March 18, Hamas has warned of risks to the remaining captives. Of the 251 individuals taken hostage on October 7, 58 remain in Gaza, with the Israeli military stating that 34 are presumed dead.

The situation has intensified calls for a renewed ceasefire. Thousands gathered in Tel Aviv on Saturday, urging Netanyahu's government to strike a deal for the hostages’ release. Former hostages and relatives of captives stressed the urgency of an agreement ahead of Passover, a Jewish festival symbolizing freedom.

Hamas official Bassem Naim indicated ceasefire negotiations were progressing, saying a breakthrough could come in the coming days. The first phase of the truce began in January, securing the release of some hostages and Palestinian prisoners. The second phase aims to negotiate the return of the remaining captives and Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza.

The conflict, which began on October 7 when Hamas-led gunmen killed 1,200 people and abducted 251, has led to heavy casualties. According to Palestinian officials, Israel’s offensive has resulted in over 50,000 deaths in Gaza.