New Delhi (Desk) | September 6, 2025 : Hamas has released a new video showing two Israeli hostages kidnapped during the October 7, 2023, music festival attack, as Israel intensifies its military operations in Gaza.

Hostages Shown in Video

The footage features 24-year-old Gilboa-Dalal, who appears visibly exhausted and states that he is being held in Gaza City, an area where Israeli forces have recently launched a major assault. Speaking under visible duress, he expresses fear of being killed amid Israel’s ongoing bombings.

The video also shows another hostage, Alon Ohel, with segments dated August 28. At some points, the hostages are seen inside a car. Both men are among 48 hostages still held by Hamas, with only around 20 believed to be alive, according to Israeli officials.

Israel Calls It “Cruel Propaganda”

Israeli authorities dismissed the video, labeling it “cruel propaganda” designed to exploit families’ fears. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the release as an act of psychological warfare, while Human Rights Watch said the video amounted to inhumane treatment and could be considered a war crime.

Background: October 7 Attack

The video’s release comes nearly two years after Hamas’s unprecedented cross-border assault on Israel. On October 7, 2023, Palestinian militants killed about 1,200 Israelis and kidnapped 251 people, sparking the ongoing war.

Since then, the conflict has devastated Gaza. Local health authorities report that more than 64,000 Palestinians have been killed, with much of the enclave reduced to rubble. Millions are facing food shortages, destroyed infrastructure, and a deepening humanitarian crisis.

Israel’s Military Offensive

The Israeli military said on Thursday that it now controls 40% of Gaza City and around 75% of the territory overall. On Friday, Israeli jets bombed a high-rise building in western Gaza City, claiming Hamas was using it for operations. However, building managers argued it was sheltering displaced Palestinians.

Israel maintains that its military campaign will continue until Hamas is dismantled. Netanyahu has repeatedly stated that the war will end only if all hostages are freed, Hamas is disarmed, Israel establishes security control, and a new civilian administration governs Gaza.

US Involvement

US President Donald Trump said Washington is engaged in “very deep” negotiations with Hamas for the release of hostages. He warned that the situation could turn “tough” and “nasty” if the militants refuse to free them.

Trump’s comments reflect growing American pressure on Hamas as well as on Israel to prioritize hostage recovery while addressing the worsening humanitarian situation.

Stalemate in Negotiations

While Israel insists on dismantling Hamas before any truce, the militant group demands a full Israeli withdrawal and a complete end to the war before releasing remaining hostages. This deadlock continues to stall progress, leaving families of captives in painful uncertainty.

The latest video has reignited international concern over the fate of hostages and the human cost of the conflict. For Israel, recovering the captives remains central to its war strategy, while Hamas continues to use them as leverage in negotiations.