‘Stop this madness’: Video of Israeli hostage in Gaza calls for ceasefire, says they’ll die otherwise

On the 700th day of the Israel-Hamas conflict, the al-Qassam Brigade, the military wing of the Hamas allegedly released video of the Israeli hostage Gilboa-Dalal, who was among the ones captured by Hamas from Nova Music Festival.

The video, confirmed by media houses to be from the Gaza, shows Gilboa-Dalal in a car, driving in the town, where he says, “I am Gilboa-Dalal, held captive by Al-Qassam in Gaza. I can't believe I am still alive after 22 months of harsh captivity. We're here, It's tough. There is no food, gas, water, or electricity.”

“Me, and over 2 million Gaza residents. We face these hardships daily,” he says.

The hostage also accuses Netanyahu of continuing the war, allegedly saying, “Thank you, Thanks PM Netanyahu for finally giving us bread and cheese, thanks for giving us some energy to live, while your son barbeques in Miami.”

In the end, he says that he fears he will die along with the people of Gaza, if Tel Aviv continues their attack. “I heard they'll attack Gaza. I am terrified, what does this mean? It means we'll die here. We won't leave Gaza City,” he says.

Concluding the video, he says, “Gaza city - there is gunfire and helicopters here. That's all we want. We want this to end…”

Meanwhile, Israel has rejected Hamas’ proposal for reaching a comprehensive ceasefire deal in Gaza to end the war on Thursday, saying its army will continue to prepare for a major attack on Gaza City. 

In a press statement released on Wednesday, Hamas reiterated its willingness to reach a "comprehensive deal" under which Israeli hostages in Gaza would be released in exchange for an agreed number of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.

According to Hamas, the deal would also include a permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the reopening of border crossings to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid and essential supplies, and the start of reconstruction efforts, reported a news agency.

Hamas also voiced support for the establishment of an independent national administration composed of technocrats to take immediate responsibility for managing Gaza's civil affairs.

In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the statement as “a spin”.

In a statement issued by his office, Netanyahu said Israel would agree to end the war only if Hamas accepts full Israeli security control over the Gaza Strip, the demilitarisation of Hamas and Gaza, the establishment of a non-Palestinian administration, and the release of all hostages.

(with inputs from syndicated feed)