New footage of 19-year-old hostage Daniela Gilboa has been released, providing the first sign of life of the Israeli since she was kidnapped by Hamas on October 7.
The propaganda film was distributed by Hamas on January 26 but has just been approved for release by Gilboa’s family, who have appealed to the government to approve the hostage deal and ensure the release of the hostages from Gaza.
The release of the footage comes nine months after Gilboa’s capture, as the possibility of hostage pregnancy has resurfaced, with 12 women remaining in Hamas captivity.
In the clip, Gilboa appeals to the Israeli government, asking for her release: “Get your act together, my dear government, and start doing your job properly to bring us all home while we're still alive. I don't need any food, money, clothes, or anything else—just bring us home alive.”
Speaking in Hebrew with Arabic subtitles, Gilboa explains: “I've been in Hamas captivity for 107 days now, and I don't know when or if I'll ever return home. I'm under constant bombardment and gunfire 24 hours a day. I'm terrified for my life. At one point, your bombs nearly killed me.
“Where were you on October 7 when I was taken from my bed? Where are you now? Why do I, as a soldier who gave 100% of myself to the country and served in such difficult conditions in the Gaza envelope, have to feel abandoned and discarded by you?”
The teenage hostage addresses her family, “To my dear family, I miss you so much and love you—Mom, Dad, Nuni, and Roiko. Please stay strong and do everything you can to bring me home while I'm still alive."
The footage has been shared by the Hostages Families Forum Headquarters, along with a message from Gilboa’s mother, Orly.
"170 days have passed since the release of the video where I last saw my daughter. In the footage, she appears strong and determined, but psychological assessments we've received indicate her poor mental state. Who knows what my daughter has endured in the 170 days since then?
“I implore the decision-makers to show leadership and approve the deal so that I can embrace Daniela again soon, and so that all the hostages can return home,” the mother said.
Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Agam Berger, Daniela Gilboa and Naama Levy were abducted from the Nahal Oz base on October 7, 2023 (Photo: The Hostages Families Forum)
In May, distressing footage was released of Gilboa and four other young female soldiers being kidnapped from an IDF base in Nahal Oz. Gilboa, along with Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Agam Berger and Na’ama Levy could be seen crouched against a wall with bloodied faces and terrified expressions, surrounded by Hamas terrorists and dead bodies.
On Tuesday evening, the Hostages Families Forum Headquarters will stage a silent demonstration in Hostages Square in Tel Aviv called, "Mother is Waiting.”
Orly Gilboa will be one of the mothers participating in the demonstration.
