Hamas has posted a disturbing video featuring Idan Alexander, a 20-year-old Israeli soldier from New Jersey, in which he warns that time is running out for him and the other hostages held by the militant group. The video, titled “Soon … Time is Running Out,” shows Alexander, who has been in Hamas captivity for over 420 days.
In the video, about three and a half minutes, Alexander introduces himself and recounts his time as a prisoner. He is then shown visibly distressed, with his face covered and tears in his eyes, as he reads a series of coerced messages. He accuses Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of failing to protect Israeli citizens and soldiers. He urges U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to use his power to help negotiate their freedom.
Alexander, a native of Tenafly, New Jersey, was stationed near Gaza when Hamas militants launched their attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The assault resulted in over 1,200 Israeli deaths and the abduction of at least 250 people, including Alexander. According to reports, Hamas continues to hold 101 hostages, including six American citizens.
The video’s release has sparked significant concern, particularly from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which described it as “shocking.” In a statement, the forum said the video serves as undeniable proof that hostages are still alive but enduring extreme hardship. It emphasised the urgency of securing their release, stressing that after more than a year of captivity, the hostages’ suffering has reached a critical point.
“The abuse, starvation, and darkness that these hostages have endured for over 420 days cannot be ignored,” the statement read. “Returning them home can only happen through a deal, and time is running out.”
The release of the video came on the same day that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the death of a key Hamas terrorist, Ahed Qadih, in a drone strike in the southern Gaza Strip. Qadih was involved in the October 7 massacre at Kibbutz Nir Oz and was reportedly working for World Central Kitchen, an international aid organisation. The strike also killed two other World Central Kitchen employees.
The organisation expressed heartbreak over the loss of its staff members and confirmed that it did not know any connection between its workers and the October 7 attacks. World Central Kitchen has suspended its operations in Gaza after the incident.
In another development, Israel launched airstrikes against several targets in Lebanon, accusing them of violating a ceasefire agreement. In response, Israel announced it would enforce a curfew in southern Lebanon as tensions in the region continue to rise.
