Hamas Releases Video of 36-Year-Old Hostage Maxim Herkin, Injured After Israeli Strike, Held 575 Days in Gaza
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32 posts • GPT (4.1)
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The armed wing of Hamas, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, released a video on May 3 showing an Israeli hostage, identified as Maxim Herkin, age 36, who appears to be injured with bandages on his head and left arm showing brown stains. In the undated four-minute video, Herkin, speaking in Hebrew with a Russian accent and identifying himself as 'Prisoner 24,' states that he was wounded in a recent Israeli airstrike and has been held captive for 575 days.
Herkin, abducted from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023, says he 'escaped death' after the strike, describes his situation as very difficult, and notes he lacks access to medication and cannot be taken to a hospital. He also mentions another hostage, Bar Kuperstein, and expresses uncertainty about his fate.
Herkin, a father of a young daughter, urges the Israeli public to protest and put pressure on the government to secure the release of the captives held in Gaza. He refers to Israel's upcoming Independence Day celebrations, suggesting the video was filmed shortly beforehand. According to Israeli authorities, 58 hostages remain in Gaza, with only 24 believed to be alive. Herkin's family has urged media not to broadcast the video.
The video was released after the end of a ceasefire, amid stalled negotiations for a new truce and as Israeli military operations in Gaza have intensified since March 18. The Israeli government maintains that military pressure is necessary to secure the release of the hostages.
The armed wing of Hamas, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, has released a video showing an Israeli-Russian hostage who appeared to have been injured in a strike on the Palestinian territory. #Israel
https://t.co/tpxQos54ZK
A video by Israeli soldiers from Unit “Gdhan 271” mocks discussions about Gaza reconstruction and a ceasefire.
At the end, a soldier detonates a residential block housing civilian facilities, medical centers, and schools.
https://t.co/tirqag8XA9
