Hostage Families Warn of ‘Lost Opportunity of the Century’ as Hamas Releases Disturbing Captive Footage

Report by Safarti Tarjuman International Desk

Families of hostages held in Gaza have sounded the alarm, calling Israel’s inaction “the lost opportunity of the century,” following the release of a disturbing new video by Hamas.

The latest footage, released by Hamas’s military wing on Saturday, shows hostages Yosef Haim Ohana and Elkanah Bohbot. In the video, Ohana describes Bohbot’s deteriorating condition, saying he has stopped eating and drinking and has attempted to harm himself. The emotional appeal in the hostages’ video has sparked renewed public outrage and nationwide protests.

Thousands gathered in Tel Aviv’s Habima Square and outside IDF Headquarters, holding signs with the faces of missing hostages. Demonstrators demanded immediate government action to reach a comprehensive deal and end the conflict.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum accused the government of prioritizing war over rescue. In a statement ahead of the protests, the forum urged leaders to adopt a regional agreement that would return the remaining 59 captives and reshape the future of the region.

Herut Nimrodi, mother of captive IDF soldier Tamir Nimrodi, addressed the rally with a searing question for the government: “How do you sleep at night?”