Hostage Liri Albag Appears in Video Released by Hamas as Israeli Families Demand Action

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Hamas has disseminated a video claiming to feature Liri Albag, an Israeli hostage held since an attack on October 7, 2023. The now 19-year-old soldier was captured along with six other women conscripts during a raid at Nahal Oz on the Gaza border. Family members stated that the video, which shows Albag pleading in Hebrew for her government to secure her release, was not authorized for publication and highlighted her severe psychological distress.

In a heartfelt statement, the Albag family expressed their anguish over the video's release, urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to make decisions as if the hostages were his own children. Netanyahu, facing increasing pressure from families of the captives, assured that efforts to bring the hostages home are ongoing and warned that anyone harming them would be held accountable.

As ceasefire discussions resumed in Qatar amid continued hostilities, Palestinian authorities reported that Israeli airstrikes in Gaza had resulted in numerous civilian casualties, including children. The Israeli military maintains that its operations are aimed at Hamas militants, while also citing the deaths of security personnel alleged to have been involved in terrorist activities.

Simultaneously, the Biden administration has informed Congress about a potential $8 billion arms sale to Israel, aimed at bolstering its military capabilities. The ongoing conflict has claimed the lives of thousands in Gaza as Israel intensifies its military campaign against Hamas, following the initial hostage-taking incident that claimed over 1,200 Israeli lives.

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