The video released by Israeli families shows several of the young soldiers bloody and wounded near the Gaza fence on October 7
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| Seven female Israeli soldiers were taken captive from Nahal Oz on October 7, according to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum [Hostages and Missing Families Forum via AP |
The families of five female Israeli soldiers, believed to be alive and held by Hamas in Gaza, have released video footage capturing their capture on October 7.
The Israeli army possessed the body cam footage, recently declassifying and handing it over to the women’s families. However, the reason for this declassification remains unclear.
It remains uncertain whether any portions of the footage had already been redacted by the Israeli army.
According to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, the families chose to publicize the footage in a bid to pressure the government into securing a ceasefire deal with Hamas for the release of their loved ones.
Hamas dismissed the video as "a manipulated excerpt" that "cannot be verified," claiming its release is part of efforts to distort their image. The group alleged that certain images were selectively chosen to support claims of assault on the female soldiers.
The injuries sustained by the soldiers, Hamas stated, were minor and deemed typical in such circumstances.
The footage depicts scenes of chaos, with the young female soldiers appearing confused and frightened. Two women, unable to speak Arabic, are shown with their hands bound behind their backs, seeking assistance in English.
The footage originates from the attack on the Nahal Oz military base, part of a Hamas-led assault on southern Israel, resulting in numerous casualties and captives.
According to the Forum, seven female soldiers serving as lookouts on the Gaza border were taken from Nahal Oz. One woman was rescued by the army in late October during a ground operation, while another was reported killed amid Israel's conflict with Gaza.
The Forum emphasized the urgent need to bring all hostages home and urged the Israeli government not to delay.
The released footage, approximately three minutes long, has been edited, with certain sensitive material blurred out.
In the video, more than a dozen armed fighters are seen binding the women, two of whom show visible bloodstains on their faces.
The release of the video coincides with mounting domestic pressure on the Israeli government to secure the release of the remaining captives. Thousands of Israelis, including relatives of those held in Gaza, have protested, demanding greater action from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure their release. Many have also called for a ceasefire to ensure the safe return of their relatives.
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