In a deeply emotional interview that has captured international attention, a heartbroken mother has revealed the torment of seeing her son appear in a Hamas propaganda video after being taken hostage during the October 7th attacks on Israel.
The mother, whose identity remains protected for security reasons, described watching her son in the carefully staged video with a mixture of relief and horror. "He was alive, but he was clearly speaking under duress," she told reporters, her voice trembling with emotion.
The Chilling Broadcast
The propaganda footage, released by Hamas militants, shows the young man delivering a scripted message while appearing visibly distressed. His mother immediately recognised the signs of coercion, noting that "his eyes told a different story from his words".
Key concerns raised by the family:
- The hostage appeared thin and exhausted
- His speech seemed rehearsed and unnatural
- Family noticed subtle signs of distress invisible to untrained observers
- The video provided no proof of current wellbeing beyond the recording date
Ongoing Captivity Nightmare
The young man was among approximately 250 people taken hostage during Hamas's brutal assault on Israeli communities near the Gaza border. While some hostages have been released during temporary ceasefires, many remain in captivity, their families living in daily anguish.
"Every day without news is torture," the mother confessed, wiping away tears. "We don't know if he's receiving medical care, if he has enough food, or if he's being treated humanely."
International Response
The use of hostages in propaganda materials has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights organisations and governments worldwide. Such tactics are seen as psychological warfare that compounds the suffering of both captives and their families.
Experts in hostage situations emphasise that coerced appearances in propaganda videos are a common tactic used by militant groups to exert pressure on opposing governments while causing additional distress to families already living through unimaginable circumstances.
The family continues to appeal for international intervention and maintains hope that diplomatic efforts will eventually secure their son's safe return.
