Hamas has released a second propaganda video featuring a hostage taken during the 7 October attacks, further escalating tensions in the protracted Israel-Gaza conflict. The footage, which surfaced on Saturday, shows an elderly man identified as 64-year-old Nadav Popplewell, a British-Israeli national, speaking under duress.
The video provides no proof of life, lacking timestamps or current context, but marks Hamas's continued psychological warfare tactics. Popplewell, captured from Kibbutz Nirim, appears with visible injuries, raising concerns about the treatment of remaining captives.
Hostage Crisis Developments
This release follows Hamas's initial hostage video last week and coincides with delicate ceasefire negotiations mediated by Egypt and Qatar. Israeli officials estimate 128 hostages remain in Gaza, with at least 36 presumed dead according to military assessments.
The Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum condemned the video as "psychological terror," while the Israeli military continues operations across Gaza, including recent strikes in Rafah that Palestinian health authorities claim killed 30 people.
International Response
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated: "Seeing a British citizen held hostage is horrifying. We're working tirelessly with partners to secure their release." The video emerges as US, Egyptian and Qatari mediators attempt to bridge gaps between Israel's demand for hostage return and Hamas's call for permanent ceasefire and troop withdrawal.
With Netanyahu's government facing mounting pressure from hostage families and political opponents, the conflict shows no signs of immediate resolution as both sides remain entrenched in their positions.
