The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) terror organization released a new sign-of-life video on Wednesday of Russian-Israeli hostage Alexander Troufanov, who has remained in captivity since October 7.
In the video, Troufanov said that he and the other hostages are running out of food and basic hygiene products. He called on the Israeli public to continue to push for a deal to bring the hostages home.
He also said that he is afraid of the IDF and fears the day that the army will get close to his location or potentially blow up the building that he is being held captive in.
The PIJ previously released two videos of Troufanov in May.
Troufanov was kidnapped on October 7, together with his parents, Yelena and Vitali, his grandmother, Irena Tati, and his partner, Sapir Cohen. His father was murdered, and his mother, grandmother, and partner were released in a hostage deal last year.
Getting the hostages home
Mousa Abu Marzouk, deputy head of Hamas’s political bureau, has said that in a potential future hostage deal, they will prioritize the release of Russian nationals—Troufanov and Maxin Herkin, whose family secured Russian citizenship on his behalf while he remains a hostage in an effort to free him.
Another Russian hostage, Alexander Lobanov, was murdered during captivity, and his body was discovered by the IDF alongside the bodies of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Almog Sarusi, Carmel Gat, and Ori Danino.
After the publication of the video, his mother, Lena, who survived Hamas captivity, said, “I am relieved to see my son alive, but I am very worried to hear what he is saying. I urge that every effort be made to secure his immediate release and that of all other hostages. They have no time left.”
“I want to address you first, Sasha. My beloved son, I ask you to keep being strong and hold on.Do not lose hope, we will not stop fighting for your release until you are here with us, at home.”
“Now I would like to address everyone involved; The government, the security cabinet and the decision makers.Look at my son’s face and save him, now!”
“And to you the people of Israel – thank you for the warm embrace, support and unceasing prayers.It is time for us all to unite in one clear message – bring everyone home, now!”
The Hostage Families Forum said, “The horrific video of Sasha Troufanov from captivity highlights the urgency of returning the 101 hostages – and now, with winter approaching, these hostages, who have been subjected to horrific conditions of abuse, starvation, and darkness for over a year, face an increasing risk of losing their lives. It’s inconceivable and incomprehensible that almost a year has passed since the last hostage release deal. The hostages have no time left – a deal for their release is the only way to bring them all back to us: the living for rehabilitation, and those who were murdered for proper burial.”
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