Hamas has released a video showing the hostages Elkana Bohbot, Yosef-Haim Ohana, who have been held captive in the Gaza Strip for 535 days.
In the footage, Buchbut and Ohana are seen speaking while in captivity. Elkana's family consented to share his video with the public while releasing a statement: "For 535 days Elkana has been trapped in an ongoing hell. The video reveals his dire condition – he has lost substantial weight from prolonged starvation, suffers from skin and respiratory problems in addition to his asthma, and has been deprived of daylight for nearly a year and a half.
"This footage provides further evidence that Elkana must be returned home to his family, to his wife Rivka and son Re'em David immediately," the statement read. "Elkana is desperately calling for help, begging not to be forgotten in these hellish tunnels. We urgently appeal to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump – please consider this as if he were your own son, the father of your grandchild, who is waiting to see daylight, hearing IDF bombs overhead while living in constant fear for his life.
Video: Hamas' video of Israeli hostage Elkana Bohbot
"Every day Ram asks about his father. When will we be able to tell him his father is coming home? This child is also living in a dark tunnel, in his own form of captivity. While this video confirms Elkana is alive, we need him alive and at home – along with all the hostages. The time has come to end the suffering, not just for the families, but for the entire nation that wants them returned home," the family concluded."
The stories of Yosef-Haim Ohana and Elkana Bohbot
Recently, the family of Yosef-Haim Ohana revealed that they had a sign of life from him in captivity. Ohana, 25, from Kiryat Malakhi, had gone to celebrate at the Nova music festival near Reim on October 7, but was abducted by terrorists after helping evacuate the wounded to medics and ambulances alongside a friend.
He was listed as missing for two weeks, during which the family had no information about his fate. "I was relieved to learn he was alive, but before that, there was complete uncertainty about what had happened to him," said his mother, Miri Ben Ami.
Several videos circulated online show Ohana during the attack, including footage of him running between cars at the festival site. In another clip, he is seen speaking into the camera, saying, "Bro, they're firing rockets at us. For real," while crouching for cover. Friends who survived told his family that he had provided assistance during the assault.
His mother Miri said, "I feel him. I feel his energy. I feel that he is fighting to see us, to stay strong." She tried to send him a message: "Mom loves you and misses you."
"We've kept under the radar until now, but now we're coming out," said his aunt. "Anyone who looks at [released hostage] Eli Sharabi understands – I don't know if he could have survived a few more weeks in captivity. It's time to wake up, there's no time – they must come back today," the family said.
As noted, the family is deeply frustrated by the long period that has passed since the abduction. "He is a strong man, but even his strength has its limits."
Elkana Bohbot, 35, was working at the Nova music festival when he was abducted. His family recently received proof of life from him. In a message, he asked to dedicate the song "Lochemet" ("Warrior") to his wife, Rivka. Since then, his wife and young son have been praying for his return.
On October 7, Bohbot was on duty at the festival. When his mother and wife called him, he told them he was helping evacuate the wounded and would leave right after. Their final conversation took place at 8:05 a.m., when he told his mother, "There's a bit of chaos here, I'm helping evacuate people." When she warned him to be careful, he responded, "I promise you I'll come home." But an hour later, his phone had gone silent. By 10:00 a.m., Hamas released the first video showing Elkana in Gaza – his face was wounded, he was bound, beaten, and terrified.
Rivka Bohbot, Elkana's wife, immigrated from Colombia in 2016. The couple has a 4.5-year-old son named Raam David, who "knows that bad people took his father, and has been missing him ever since in the way only a child can."
"This is a painful and absurd reality – a child shouldn't have to beg for his father to be brought home," said Rivka. "My dear husband, every minute without you breaks another piece of my heart. Raam and I have been counting what feels like an eternity without knowing where you are. We will never give up on you. You'll be home soon, the nightmare will soon be over."
In a rare appearance at Hostages Square, Rivka said: "Elkana is alive, but suffering in inhumane conditions. Our Elkana is a fighter doing everything to come home, but he can't do it alone. You are his and our last hope." She added, "Tonight, despite the pain, I stand here with you in the square. Because the quiet, respectful, patient struggle we chose hasn't worked. We waited, we prayed, we suffered – but enough is enough."
