Weeks after the tragic murder of six hostages by Hamas, Israel on Tuesday released harrowing footage of the narrow Gaza tunnel where they were held captive. The video, shared on X (formerly Twitter) by Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, provides a chilling glimpse into the brutal conditions endured by the deceased.
The six hostages – Ori Danino, Almog Sarusi, Eden Yerushalmi, Alexander Lobanov, Carmel Gat, and Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin – were found dead in Rafah by the military on August 31. The video, exceeding three minutes in length, depicts the underground terrorist tunnel where the hostages were imprisoned in a cramped and suffocating environment.
Hagari poignantly describes the dire situation: “They were heroes, and they were in this tunnel… But they were here in this tunnel in a horrific condition where there is no air to breathe, where you cannot stand. They survived, but they were murdered by terrorists.” His words underscore the inhumanity of the situation, emphasizing that the hostages endured 11 months of captivity before being brutally murdered.
The video further highlights the brutality of their confinement, revealing the cramped and dimly lit tunnel, devoid of adequate ventilation. The footage also showcases AK-47 magazines left behind by the terrorists, serving as a tangible reminder of the violence that took place.
The release of this video serves as a stark reminder of the tragic loss of life and the barbarity of Hamas’ actions. It underscores the desperate need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and an end to the suffering of innocent civilians.