Breaking: Hamas Releases Video of Captured Israeli Soldier Liri Albag After 450 Days
GAZA – Hamas’ military wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, has released a video of captured Israeli soldier Liri Albag, who was taken hostage during the Oct. 7, 2023 raid. The three-and-a-half-minute video, the date of which is unclear, shows the 19-year-old soldier appealing for help in Hebrew.
"Over 450 days have passed since I became a captive in Gaza," Albag says. "My entire life is still ahead of me, but it seems to have stopped here." She laments the start of a new year, saying, "Today is the beginning of a new year, celebrated around the world, but for us, it’s the start of another dark, lonely year. We’re not a priority for our government or army, and the world is beginning to forget us and our suffering."
In an emotional message to her family, Albag says, "Mom, Dad, Roni, Shai, Guy, Nir. I love you all and miss you so much."
Albag also discusses a wounded comrade, saying, "We’re living a terrible nightmare. Our lives depend on the soldiers’ retreat, not advancement towards us."
She poses questions to her government: "If those you love are the captives, will the war still continue? Do you want to kill us?"
The video shows Albag with her face in her hands, crying, and addressing former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. "You know my father," she says. "Look him in the eye and tell him he’ll never hug his daughter again. You won’t have the courage to do that."
With anger, she adds, "After seeing my own death and what happened to my friend, I understand that our lives are not important to you. I know we’re just pawns in your game. You can’t save us alive through military operations. It won’t work, and you know it."
This video highlights the ongoing debated over the status and treatment of captives, and the political complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
