The families of three hostages who appeared in a video released by Hamas have made emotional appeals for their release – saying they are “constantly thinking” about them.
The worried loved ones have taken part in a news conference hours after Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called a Hamas video of the three female captives “cruel psychological propaganda”.
Mr Netanyahu identified the three women as Yelena Trupanob, Danielle Aloni, and Rimon Kirsht.
The prime minister later told a press conference Israel would not agree to a ceasefire in Gaza, as it would be equivalent to “surrender” to “Hamas and terrorism”.
Speaking from Tel Aviv, the family members set out their fears for their loved ones in Hamas captivity.
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‘It is a crime against humanity’
Danielle’s father was the first to address the conference. Another one of his family members, a woman called Sharon, is also missing, he said.
He said there are only four members of his nuclear family out of 10 that are left following attacks by Hamas on 7 October.
“I’d like to stress that to hold women, children, and the elderly captive – it is a crime against humanity,” he said.
“To Danielle and Sharon… girls we see you, we love you, we hear you, we are thinking about you every second.
“Everything we do, we are constantly thinking about you and we are going to bring you back home.”
The mother of Rimon said she was concerned as her daughter appeared in the video without her glasses and has not been able to see for at least 24 days.
“I saw the video today, and I’m worried. Rimon was without her glasses… she cannot see anything [without them].”
“They must send urgent medical help to them.”
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Two representatives of the Trupanob family also spoke at the conference.
One man addressed how the “entire family” had been killed or captured in Hamas’s attacks.
“Today we saw a video where Yelena was seen alive, this is our first proof of life, and we are so happy,” he said.
He urged the Red Cross to conduct a medical check on Yelena immediately.
“There are still 239 people being held hostage in Gaza right now,” he said.
“24 days