Watan-On January 8, 2024, the military arm of the Islamic Jihad Movement, “Saraya al-Quds,” released a video of an Israeli captive named “Eliad Ketzir” in Gaza. In the video, the 47-year-old, who was captured on October 7, 2023, from the “Nir Oz” settlement, issues a plea for help to the Israeli government for his release.

The Israeli captive was taken hostage along with his mother, Hanna, who was later released in November. Ketzir, still held captive, urges the Israeli government in the recent video to exert more effort towards securing his release.

The Hebrew-speaking captive stated that he is “still miraculously alive” after almost losing his life due to the Israeli brutal airstrikes on the Gaza Strip. He mentioned being in Gaza on January 5, 2024, which marks the 91st day of the Israeli brutal war against Gaza.

He disclosed being in the custody of the Islamic Jihad Movement in Gaza and mentioned hearing the news of the death of his close friend, “Tamer Haddar,” who was killed on October 7 last year.

Addressing the Israeli Prime Minister, he said, “Bibi Netanyahu, my appeal to you and all members of the Knesset: you left me imprisoned and left me to face the fate of death for the first time on October 7, and now you want to leave me for the second time for three months here in Gaza.”

He recounted witnessing the death of a relative while miraculously remaining alive, and he addressed the Israeli government with a tone of disbelief, stating, “Don’t tell my family that you did everything to save me.”

The captive emphasized that every day he survives feels like a miracle, alluding to the deaths of several Israeli prisoners due to the airstrikes carried out by the Israeli military.

He pleaded with the Israeli government to end the war, release the prisoners, and return them safely to their families. The Israeli captive, Eliad Ketzir, called for a prisoner exchange deal with Hamas to facilitate their return to their families.

It is estimated that there are around “137 hostages still held in the Gaza Strip,” according to consistent media reports and statements from Israeli officials.