Jerusalem: Israel has released footage depicting five female army conscripts in pajamas being captured by Hamas gunmen during raids on October 7. However, Hamas has questioned the authenticity of the video, labeling it as "manipulated" and part of Israel's effort to promote fabricated narratives.
The families of the captives reportedly hoped that the release of the footage would increase pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a truce with Hamas and secure the release of the hostages.
The Israeli government viewed the release of the subtitled three-minute clip to both national and international media as an opportunity to garner support. Government spokesperson David Mencer appealed for attention to the plight of the captured soldiers, stating, "...Please don't look away. Watch the film. Support Israel in bringing our people home."
In the footage, young women are seen being bound and loaded into a jeep. Nineteen-year-old Naama Levy is heard pleading in English, "I have friends in Palestine." In response, one of the gunmen is heard shouting in Arabic, "You are dogs! We will step on you, dogs!" Another gunman allegedly remarked, "You're beautiful."
Hamas responded late Wednesday, asserting that the video was "manipulated" and that its authenticity could not be confirmed, suggesting it was part of Israel's effort to promote fabricated narratives. In an official statement, Hamas maintained that the female soldiers were treated according to the ethics of their resistance, and no mistreatment was proven.
The Hostages Families Forum stated that the footage was recovered from body cameras worn by gunmen who attacked the Nahal Oz base in southern Israel, where the women served as surveillance spotters. The Forum represents relatives of the 124 people still held by the militant group Hamas.
"The shots of slain Israeli soldiers were excluded, and publication was approved by the families of the five captives. The Israeli government must not waste another moment; it must return to the negotiating table today!" the Forum said, as quoted by Reuters.
Israel reported that 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 were abducted in the October 7 attack led by Hamas. Days later, Israel launched an offensive in Gaza, resulting in over 35,000 Palestinian deaths. The Israeli military has reported that 286 of its soldiers were killed.
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