Published10 September 2024, 20:21
“This is their blood”: Israel releases video from hostage tunnel in Gaza Strip
Dried pools of blood, Koran books, pieces of clothing: The Israeli army provides an insight into the living conditions of the six killed hostages in a video.
Israel on Tuesday released video footage from a tunnel in the Gaza Strip where six hostages were killed last month by members of the militant extremist group Hamas. The video showed a low, narrow passage deep underground, with no toilet and poor ventilation.
The discovery of the bodies in late August sparked a wave of outrage in Israel. The release of the new video could increase pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach a ceasefire agreement with Hamas to bring the remaining hostages home.
Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said on Tuesday that the footage from the tunnel in the Gaza Strip had been shown to the families of the hostages. He said it was very difficult for them to see how their relatives survived in these conditions. Evidence suggested that the six were protecting each other when they were killed. The spokesman did not comment on the nature of the evidence.
Pathological examinations of the bodies showed, according to Hagari, that the six hostages were killed sometime during the night of August 29. The military found a tunnel shaft under a child’s bedroom and proceeded with caution because of the risk of booby traps. The bodies were found about 120 meters deep in the tunnel in an area behind an iron door, according to the spokesman.
Blood stains on the floor
The tunnel was low and narrow, and the humidity made breathing difficult, Hagari said. Soldiers found evidence that the hostages and at least two terrorists had been there for more than a few days. Soldiers found a sack with urine bottles and a bucket dug into the ground that served as an improvised toilet. Mattresses, clothing, assault rifle magazines and cartridges were also found, as well as some food, mainly energy bars and tuna. Blood stains were visible on the floor, Hagari said.
The military spokesman said the armed forces killed two extremists on Friday near where the hostages were found who were trying to escape from a tunnel complex. The two probably killed the hostages. DNA tests should verify this assessment.
101 hostages still in Gaza
About 250 people were abducted in the Hamas-led terror attack on southern Israel. More than 100 were released during a brief ceasefire in November in exchange for imprisoned Palestinians. Eight were rescued by Israeli forces. Israeli authorities say 101 hostages remain in captivity, including 35 who are believed to be dead.
Hamas has offered to release the hostages in return for an end to the military operation, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip and the release of numerous Palestinian prisoners. However, negotiations on a ceasefire have so far failed to produce an agreement.
Are you already following us on WhatsApp?
Subscribe to our channel, activate the little 🔔 and receive a News overview as well as exciting stories and entertainment at the end of the day.
(DPA, sof)
