India, March 30 -- Hamas on Saturday released a video purportedly showing an Israeli hostage in Gaza, who was pleading with the Benjamin Netanyahu-led government to cease bombardment and secure his release.

The man, who was identified as Elkana Bohbot online, had been abducted during the October 7, 2023 attack in Gaza. The video has since its release been shared across social media.

HT could not independently verify the authenticity of the video, including when and where in the Gaza strip it was recorded.

The three-minute long video, shows the man speaking in Hebrew and addressing Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, asking him to secure his release by stopping strikes in Gaza.

Bohbot said that the ongoing bombardment could cost...