Mia Shem, a former hostage of Hamas, has publicly criticized the lack of international support during her 50-day captivity in Gaza. Shem, a dual Israeli-French national, specifically questioned the absence of aid from the Red Cross and the United Nations, recounting a harrowing experience of physical pain, abuse, and psychological trauma. Shem’s statements highlight the ongoing plight of hostages held in Gaza and demand action from the international community.
Amidst the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, mounting pressure is building on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure a ceasefire agreement and the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. The discovery of six hostages’ bodies, including Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, has heightened urgency and fueled protests demanding action from Netanyahu. The US is actively engaged in mediating a deal, but a rejection could signify the end of American-led negotiations. The conflict has claimed thousands of lives and displaced a vast majority of Gaza’s population, prompting widespread calls for a resolution.
Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport halted operations on Monday as part of a nationwide strike led by the Histadrut labor union. This strike reflects growing public anger over the handling of the hostage crisis in Gaza, particularly following the discovery of six dead hostages, including an Israeli-American. The strike aims to pressure the government for a ceasefire and hostage release deal, impacting various public services, institutions, and businesses.
This week begins with a series of significant global events. Israel faces a national strike amidst a hostage crisis, while US leaders campaign on Labour Day. In Asia, South Africa’s president visits China, and India’s West Bengal Assembly holds a special session to pass an anti-rape bill. Other key events include the opening of Gala Precision Engineering’s IPO, the release of India’s manufacturing PMI data, and Vedanta Ltd’s board meeting to discuss a third interim dividend.
The fate of 120 Israeli hostages remains uncertain in Gaza, casting doubt over a purported ceasefire plan between Israel and Hamas. A Hamas official claims ignorance of the hostages’ well-being, alleging Israeli actions have endangered their lives. Negotiations on a US-backed ceasefire proposal have hit a snag, with Hamas rejecting Israel’s short-term ceasefire and demanding a permanent end to hostilities, among other conditions.
Protests demanding the release of hostages descended into chaos in Jerusalem, resulting in confrontations between demonstrators and police. Protesters overturned garbage cans, set fires, and blocked traffic, while police responded with force. The situation escalated after the release of a new video showing the hostages.
The White House has been in contact with the family of American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, promptly informing them of a newly released video. The US received the video from Qatar prior to its public release by Hamas, and the FBI and White House Special Hostage Team are currently analyzing it. Qatar’s involvement as an intermediary in the hostage situation has been significant, with Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani prioritizing Goldberg-Polin’s case at the request of the American government. The release of the signs of life has strategic implications, allowing Hamas to appease Qatar and the Biden administration while pressuring Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. For Qatar, the political achievement of facilitating the hostage negotiations highlights their role as a mediator between Israel and Hamas.
Hamas has released a video of American-Israeli hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who has been missing for over 200 days. In the video, Goldberg-Polin is seen missing his left arm below the elbow, consistent with reports that his arm was blown off while he was trying to throw grenades out of a bunker. Goldberg-Polin accuses the Israeli government of neglecting him and other hostages and says that the ongoing military campaign in Gaza has killed about 70 hostages like him. The footage is likely propaganda, intended to pressure Israel to make a deal with Hamas instead of continuing its military operations. The Israeli government believes that 33 of the remaining 129 hostages in Gaza are dead.
A newly released Hamas propaganda video showcasing signs of life from captured Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin has ignited outrage and protests demanding government action for the release of all hostages. Goldberg-Polin, who suffered a lost hand and alleged mistreatment, implored the Israeli government to prioritize the hostages’ plight and return them home. His words fueled protests near Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence, where demonstrators held posters of hostages and condemned the government’s handling of the crisis.
Hamas, the Palestinian militant organization, has released a propaganda video showing Israeli hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin on their Telegram channel. The video, which cannot be independently verified, shows Goldberg-Polin reading from a script prepared by Hamas, recounting his capture during an attack on a music festival. Hamas has a history of releasing videos of hostages in an attempt to pressure the Israeli government and wage psychological warfare.
