Israel releases video of bloody tunnel where hostages were killed

Israel releases video of bloody tunnel where hostages were held and killed by Hamas — A tunnel in Gaza that is said to be where six Israeli hostages were found killed by Hamas is seen in this still image taken from a handout video released on September 10, 2024. Photo: Israel Defense Forces/video/via iKurd.net

JERUSALEM,— The Israeli military has released a video showing a grim scene inside an underground tunnel in Gaza, where it claims six hostages were executed by Hamas militants. The footage, shared publicly on Tuesday, follows its review by the hostages’ families and Israeli security officials.

Filmed by the military last Friday, the video captures a narrow, dark tunnel where blood stains, bullet casings, and personal items, including a chess set, are visible.

According to Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, a spokesperson for the Israeli Defense Forces, the hostages were killed on the night of August 29. Their bodies were discovered and recovered by Israeli soldiers in Rafah, southern Gaza, approximately two days later.

The tunnel, described by Hagari as 20 meters (66 feet) below ground and roughly 80 centimeters (32 inches) wide, was reportedly used by the militants as a hideout. The hostages had likely been held there for several weeks under harsh conditions, with little room to move and poor ventilation.

In addition to the disturbing scenes of the tunnel, the video includes English-narrated segments showing Kalashnikov rifle magazines, bags of plastic bottles filled with urine, and a makeshift toilet.

Women’s clothing is also scattered across the floor. The Hebrew version of the footage, which was broadcast on Israeli television, also includes the chess set.

Hagari stated that Israeli troops were engaged in combat with Hamas fighters above ground when the hostages were killed. At that time, no rescue operation was underway, as the military lacked accurate intelligence on the hostages’ exact location.

The six hostages taken by Hamas whose bodies were recovered by the IDF in Gaza. From top left, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Ori Danino, Eden Yerushalmi, from bottom left, Almog Sarusi, Alexander Lobanov, and Carmel Gat. Photo: AP

The six victims were identified as two women and four men, aged between 23 and 40. Five of them were among those abducted during the Hamas attack on the Nova dance festival on October 7, 2023.

One of the deceased was a father whose child was born after his abduction. The killings have incited significant outrage and mourning in Israel.

Efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza, which would include provisions for the release of hostages, have stalled. Both Israel and Hamas have exchanged accusations over the impasse. Protests have erupted, calling for stronger action from Israeli leaders to secure the hostages’ release.

The October 7 attack by Hamas, a group internationally designated as a terrorist organization, resulted in over 1,200 Israeli casualties. In response, Israel has launched a major military campaign against Hamas in Gaza, vowing to eradicate the group.

As of recent reports, Hamas holds approximately 253 hostages in Gaza. Israeli forces have managed to rescue eight hostages and facilitated the release of more than 100 others in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in November. However, the number of hostages still in Gaza is estimated at around 100, with at least a third presumed dead.

Recent figures from Gaza health officials, aligned with Hamas, suggest that over 40,000 Palestinians have died in the ongoing conflict. These estimates are controversial and considered unreliable by many observers due to the officials’ affiliations.

(With files from Reuters)