Hamas this time released a video showing that the Israeli hostage is Liri Albag, a girl aged 19, who has been hostage in Gaza since October 2023. The video shows a distressed Albag and strengthens calls by her family and public for a ceasefire for the release of hostages.
Coinciding with the reports of acceptance of a list of 34 hostages by Hamas as proposed by Israel for the expected prisoner exchange deal, the video has stirred up some excitement. The officials in Hamas even confirmed under the condition that release of these hostages would take place on the premise that Israel would also release Gaza and declare permanent ceasefire.
The war began in October 2023, leading to much death and injury and raising concerns about humanitarian issues. Recent airstrikes in Gaza have reportedly caused the deaths of at least 70 people, many of whom are civilians. As such, mediators are back to work, and new ceasefire negotiations begin to put an end to the conflict that has lasted for 15 months thus far.
The international community is watching the horizon very keenly. On-the-ground diplomatic work is in progress to pave way for the ceasefire and towards addressing the humanitarian crisis.