Hamas published a video of hostage Liri Albag on Saturday in another psychological attack, with Albag’s family lamenting the mental state of their daughter seen in the video. “[The] video has torn our hearts to pieces,” said Albag’s family in a statement published to the Bring Them Home Now feed on X (formerly Twitter. “This is not the daughter and sister we know. She is not well—her severe psychological distress is evident.”
Hamas kidnapped Liri Albag and 250 other hostages in the terror massacre attack on October 7, 2023. The Gaza terror group has released over 100 hostages in deals with Israel, while Israel has rescued some hostages alive and recovered the bodies of others. 100 hostages are still in Gaza, including those living and confirmed dead and four previously taken by Hamas.
In The Times of Israel report on the Albag video it was noted that though there was no date, the 19-year-old Israeli surveillance soldier does reference being held for more than 450 days, which would place the video sometime last week. The Times adhered to the standard Israeli media approach of not publishing the video at the request of the family.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with Albag’s parents Shira and Eli after the video was released by Hamas. The Israeli press release on the conversation called the video “an important and moving sign of life.”
“[Netanyahu] told the family that he identifies with the torment that Liri, her family and all of the hostages and their families, have been enduring,” said the statement. “…The Prime Minister reiterated that whoever dares to harm our hostages—will pay the price.”
That warning comes after United States President Donald Trump issued a warning of his own ahead of his return to office in two weeks—a warning highlighted by The Bring Them Home Now volunteer group that represents the family and friends of the hostages held in Gaza.
“We’re counting down the days until President Trump takes office. He has stated more than once that there will be ‘all hell to pay’ if the hostages are not released before that day. His resolve and determination are not something anyone should test,” said Bring Them Home Now on X. “We pray it never comes to that, and we hope this deal will be finalized before time runs out. We firmly believe this deal can bring them all home—together.”
Israel and Hamas have held on-again-off-again negotiations to release the hostages for over a year, with it unclear if the Palestinian terror group is negotiating in good faith or just to prolong the pain caused by the kidnappings.
Albag’s father Eli, in a follow-up statement by the parents also published to the Bring Them Home Now X feed, called the video of his daugher “difficult to watch. This isn’t the Liri we know.”
In the same post, Albag’s mother, Shira, said to her daughter, “Believe in this, we aren’t giving up, don’t you give up either there, keep fighting and surviving. You’re strong and you’re capable. We’re here fighting for you. I love you so much and miss you terribly and am waiting to hug you.”
Israeli President Isaaz Herzog also spoke with Shira and Eli Albag after the video release. An Israeli press release noted that Herzog “sought to offer them strength and support after receiving the deeply upsetting video, which was also a sign of life after such an extended period.”
Describing the conversation “emotional and painful,” the statement said Herzog “reiterated that the Israeli representatives currently conducting negotiations must persist and remain at the negotiating table until all 100 hostages are returned home.”
Netanyahu echoed that in his own words to the Albag parents, as he “promised that Israel would continue to work relentlessly to bring Liri and all the hostages back home and that the efforts are continuing, including at the present.”
(By Joshua Spurlock, www.themideastupdate.com, January 5, 2025)