By Parrot Newspaper Hamas Releases Disturbing Hostage Video Amid Escalating Violence in Gaza
By Ricky Awodi, Parrot Newspaper
Jerusalem – In a chilling escalation of tensions, Hamas released a video on Saturday showing an injured Israeli-Russian hostage, Maxim Herkin, as Gaza’s civil defence agency reported 11 Palestinians killed—including three infants—in an Israeli airstrike. The footage, coupled with the strike’s devastating toll, underscores the deepening humanitarian crisis and the stalled diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.
Hostage Video: A Psychological Warfare Tool
The four-minute undated video, released by Hamas’s armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, shows Herkin—identified by Israeli media as a 36-year-old Nova music festival attendee—with visible head and arm injuries. Speaking in Hebrew, Herkin, referred to as “Prisoner 24,” implied his wounds resulted from recent Israeli bombardments. His family, while urging media not to amplify the video, confirmed his identity and his message echoing previous hostage pleas: pressure Israel to negotiate their release.
This marks Herkin’s second appearance in Hamas propaganda; in April, he was shown alongside soldier Bar Kuperstein, another October 2023 abduction victim. Both were seized during Hamas’s deadly assault, which killed 1,218 Israelis, mostly civilians. Herkin, a Ukrainian-Israeli immigrant and father, had texted his mother before his capture: “All is well. I’m coming home.”
Gaza’s Mounting Carnage
As Hamas weaponizes hostage narratives, Gaza’s civilian toll spirals. The latest strike hit Khan Yunis refugee camp at 3:00 AM local time, leveling the Al-Bayram family home. Eight victims, including a month-old baby and two one-year-olds, were from the same extended family.
Civil Defence Spokesman Mahmud Bassal described scenes of chaos: rescue teams sifted rubble by torchlight as survivors like Fayka Abu Hatab recalled “a bright light, then darkness—dust swallowing everything.”
Israeli Military acknowledged the strike, claiming it targeted a “Hamas member,” but offered no evidence.
Since Israel resumed major operations on March 18, Gaza’s health ministry reports 2,396 additional deaths, bringing the war’s total to 52,495. With 58 hostages still held (34 presumed dead), Israel’s blockade on aid since March 2 has triggered UN warnings of “imminent famine.”
Domestic Pressure and Diplomatic Deadlock
In Tel Aviv, thousands protested outside the Defence Ministry, demanding urgent government action to free hostages. Critics argue Israel’s offensive—framed as leverage for hostage returns—endangers captives and civilians alike.
Hamas’s hostage videos coincide with stalled ceasefire talks. The group seems to exploit global outrage over Gaza’s suffering, while Israel’s government faces mounting scrutiny over its tactics.
The Human Cost in Quotes
Resident Um Mohammed, surveying Khan Yunis’ ruins: “Where is the world? These are children, not soldiers.”
Protestor Shira Levi, Tel Aviv: “Our leaders are failing the living and the dead.”
What Next?
With no aid entering Gaza and truce efforts frozen, the cycle of violence shows no sign of abating. Analysts warn Hamas’s videos aim to fracture Israeli morale, while Israel’s strikes risk further radicalization. As both sides dig in, civilians—and hostages like Herkin—pay the price.
Key Stats:
Gaza death toll: 52,495+
Hostages remaining: 58 (34 presumed dead)
Aid blockade: 62 days and counting