Background and Context on Elkana Bohbot
Elkana Bohbot, an Israeli citizen with Colombian nationality, was kidnapped during the Nova music festival in southern Israel on October 7, 2023. This incident triggered the war in the Gaza Strip. Bohbot’s dual citizenship and his abduction during a high-profile event have garnered significant attention.
Details of the Recent Video Release
On Saturday, Hamas’s armed wing, the Brigades Ezedin al Qasam, released a video showing a live captive identified by media outlets as Elkana Bohbot. The approximately four-minute video displays the captive speaking on a landline phone in Hebrew and then in English.
Bohbot’s family authorized the release of these images for media publication.
Content of the Video
In the video, Bohbot appears visibly emaciated and crying while seated with a blanket over his legs. He seems to be speaking on the phone with family members.
During the conversation, Bohbot urges his Colombian wife to go to the White House and request President Donald Trump’s assistance in securing his release.
It remains unclear whether the call actually took place and when the video was recorded.
Bohbot’s Background and Colombian Connection
Bohbot is married to a Colombian national, and the President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, granted him citizenship following his kidnapping.
This video marks the third appearance of Bohbot in videos released by Hamas’s armed wing. The previous video was published on March 29.
The October 7 Attack and Its Aftermath
During the unexpected Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, a total of 251 people were abducted. According to the Israeli military, 58 individuals remain held in Gaza, with 34 reportedly deceased.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Elkana Bohbot? Elkana Bohbot is an Israeli citizen with Colombian nationality who was kidnapped during the Nova music festival in southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
- Why is his case significant? Bohbot’s dual citizenship and the high-profile nature of his abduction have drawn considerable attention from media outlets and international communities.
- What does the recent video show? The video displays a live captive, identified as Elkana Bohbot, speaking on a landline phone in Hebrew and English. He urges his Colombian wife to seek President Donald Trump’s assistance for his release.
- How many people were kidnapped during the October 7 attack? A total of 251 people were abducted during the unexpected Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
- How many people are still held captive in Gaza? According to the Israeli military, 58 individuals remain held in Gaza following the October 7 attack.
