Hamas on Monday released a new propaganda video depicting three elderly Israeli hostages, offering the first sign of life from the men since their capture during the October 7 attack.
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Titled "Don't Let Us Grow Old Here" in English, and "Cast me not off in the time of old age" in Hebrew, a reference to Psalm 71 from the Hebrew Bible, the footage is designed to exert pressure on the Israeli public and officials.
The video features Chaim Peri, Yoram Metzger and Amiram Cooper who were all kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7. Peri is the only one who identifies himself and speaks for the group. He reveals that they are being held with other elderly individuals and appeals to Israel for their rescue.
Peri, 80, is a longtime peace activist who drove sick children from the Gaza Strip to receive medical care in Israeli hospitals.
Cooper, 84, is one of the founders of the kibbutz, which saw a quarter of all its residents either killed or abducted on October 7. His wife Nurit was among the first hostages released by Hamas on October 23 alongside Yocheved Lifshitz.
Metzger, 80, is a father of three and grandfather of seven. His wife Tamar (Tami) Metzger, 78, was released on November 28 as part of the temporary truce between Hamas and Israel.
IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari called the clip a “heinous terror video” and directly addressed the captives, saying, "We are doing everything to return you safely. We will not rest until you are back."
Meanwhile, Hamas official Osama Hamdan reiterated the group's position that any negotiations on a hostage exchange were off the table until Israel stops its war on Gaza.
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Mossad Director David Barnea, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and CIA Director William Burns
(Photo: Yariv Katz, AP)
"We are open to initiatives from Qatar and Egypt about a hostage exchange that would stop the war in Gaza", Hamdan told a press conference in Beirut. ׂ
The terrorist group's actions come as Mossad Director David Barnea was scheduled to meet with CIA chief William Burns and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, on Monday to discuss a prisoner deal.
Israeli officials said a number of possible outlines would be discussed but negotiations were expected to be long and complex.