Rom Braslavski. CNN
On Wednesday, a Palestinian militant group in Gaza, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, released a video showing Rom Braslavski, a 21-year-old Israeli soldier who was taken hostage on October 7, 2023. This is the first time Braslavski has appeared on camera during his captivity. The video, which lasts seven minutes, is a propaganda message from the group, highlighting the ongoing conflict.
Braslavski was off-duty and working as a security guard when he was kidnapped from the Nova music festival. The video shows him in a distressed condition. He speaks about enduring "a year and a half of suffering and hell," describing illness, lack of food and water, and the constant bombardment of Gaza by Israel. Braslavski also calls on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump to negotiate for his release and end the war.
In the video, Braslavski also criticizes Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who has opposed ceasefire and hostage release proposals. Braslavski says he voted for Ben Gvir in the last elections, making his message even more personal.
Braslavski’s family expressed deep concern after seeing the video. His brother, Amit, shared on Instagram that Rom looked sick and years older than his age. “We knew you were sick and needed medication. I hope this video will shock those who need it and that you’ll return to us from this nightmare,” Amit wrote.
Rom’s mother, Tami, was devastated after seeing the video. She described feeling agony, knowing her son is suffering. “My son is underground, screaming for his soul, shouting ‘Save me.’ They broke my son,” she said, adding that she feels abandoned as no one in Israel is answering her calls for help. Tami urged that the video should be seen by the whole country.
This release came shortly after Hamas shared a similar propaganda video featuring Edan Alexander, an Israeli soldier who is also being held hostage. Alexander, who is the only American citizen currently in Gaza, appeared in his second "proof-of-life" video. In his message, he directly appealed to President Trump, asking why he has not been brought home yet.
The focus on Edan Alexander has increased due to his American citizenship, with negotiations around his release being closely followed by the US. Israel's latest ceasefire proposal includes the release of Alexander as a gesture to the United States, though Hamas has not responded to this proposal.
The situation remains dire, with tensions continuing to rise. Braslavski’s case is part of a broader hostage crisis, with Israel and Palestinian factions continuing to negotiate over the fate of the people held in Gaza.
