Overview
- The Hostages and Missing Families Forum posted videos showing Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Ori Danino, Alex Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, and Carmel Gat marking Hanukkah and offering New Year greetings during captivity in December 2023.
- The Israeli military says Hamas filmed the material for propaganda but never issued it, and that troops recovered it during operations in Gaza; Channel 12’s UVDA first aired the full videos, which are watermarked as IDF-captured.
- The footage depicts daily routines in the tunnel, including prayers, songs, card and chess games, haircuts, shared meals, and appeals regarding medical care.
- According to Israeli forensic findings, the six were shot at close range in a Rafah tunnel on August 29, 2024, with their bodies recovered by Israeli forces days later.
- The public release has intensified criticism of the government’s handling of hostage talks, with reports noting some of the six had been slated for release under earlier proposals as families demand accountability and continued efforts to bring remaining captives and remains home.