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Israeli family pleads for fresh hostage deal after grandfather says he’s ‘suffering greatly’ in new Hamas video
A hostage video released by Hamas has been described by families of the captives as “psychological terrorism”.
There’s no information on when it was filmed, but the men all have Islamic-style beards in the propaganda clip.
One man identifies himself as 79-year-old Chaim Peri, who was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
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The others are also residents of the kibbutz. They are Amiram Cooper, 84, and Yoram Metzger, 80.
In the video, Mr Peri says he and the others have health conditions and are “suffering greatly in very harsh conditions”.
He pleads with Israeli government to secure their unconditional release.
Amiram Cooper, Yoram Metzger and Chaim Peri were seen in the video
Mr Peri’s daughter spoke to Sky News about her concern.
“It’s good for us to see that he’s alive,” said Inbal Albini. “But it also made us very, very worried.
“He doesn’t look good. And we are very, very worried about his physical condition and also mental condition.”
She is calling on the Israeli government to do more to secure the release of all the hostages.
Ms Albini says she’s extremely worried about her father’s health
Mr Perry (pictured with wife Osnat) was kidnapped when his kibbutz was attacked
“It’s terrible. You know, there aren’t many words that I can describe this feeling, but most of it is frustration, anger,” said Ms Albini.
“It’s an unbelievable situation. And he’s not supposed to be there. Not him, not his friends, not all the kidnapped people that are still there.
“They’re not supposed to be there long ago. Long ago. And we don’t see any progress.”
“I would like the government and our cabinet of all the generals to come out and say to all the families that they have agreed for a deal.”
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The short video serves a number of purposes for Hamas.
The IDF’s accidental killing of three hostages, and now the release of this video, has increased pressure domestically on the Israeli government to act.
Families argue the intense military campaign is endangering the lives of their loved ones and that the only way forward is another ceasefire to allow negotiations.
But Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says a deal can only be done by degrading Hamas.
Efforts are under way to secure the release of more hostages. The head of the CIA and Mossad are expected to meet with Qatar’s prime minster.
A week-long ceasefire at the end of November saw more than 100 hostages freed in exchange for 240 Palestinian women and teenagers being held in Israeli jails.