The Israeli military has released video footage of a Gaza tunnel where it says six hostages were recently killed by Hamas. The video reveals a low, narrow passageway deep underground with no bathroom and poor ventilation. The discovery of the hostages' bodies last month sparked outrage in Israel, prompting calls for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure a cease-fire deal with Hamas to bring the remaining hostages home.
Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari stated that the footage of the Gaza tunnel was shown to the hostages' families, who found it distressing to witness the harsh conditions their loved ones endured. Evidence suggests that the six hostages were protecting each other when they were killed, although specific details were not provided.
The victims included Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, along with five others. Three of them, including Goldberg-Polin, were reportedly set to be released in a proposed cease-fire agreement in July, intensifying the anger upon their tragic discovery.
Pathology tests revealed that the six hostages were killed on the night of August 29, with their bodies found in a tunnel shaft in Rafah. The tunnel, located beneath a children's room, was described as cramped and humid, making breathing difficult. The hostages and at least two terrorists had been in the tunnel for several days, surviving on limited supplies such as energy bars and tuna.
Israeli soldiers discovered a sack containing bottles of urine, an improvised toilet, mattresses, clothes, assault rifle magazines, and shells in the tunnel. Blood stains were also present on the floor, indicating a grim struggle had taken place.
The army suspects that two militants killed near the tunnel complex may have been responsible for the hostages' deaths. DNA tests are being conducted to confirm this theory. Hamas had abducted around 250 people during the initial attack, with over 100 released in a previous exchange. Currently, 101 hostages remain in captivity, with negotiations for their release ongoing.
