Hamas Releases New Video of Israeli Hostage Guy Gilboa Dalal After 22 Months in Captivity

Hamas Releases New Video of Israeli Hostage Guy Gilboa Dalal After 22 Months in Captivity

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to generate global headlines, and the latest development involves the release of a new video by Hamas. In this footage, Hamas showcases two Israeli hostages, one of whom has been identified as Guy Gilboa Dalal, abducted during the Nova music festival massacre on October 7, 2023. The second hostage appears in the video as well, though his identity remains undisclosed at the request of his family. The video, which is being described by Israeli officials and families as a form of “psychological terror,” raises urgent questions about the fate of hostages still trapped in Gaza City after nearly two years of captivity.

A Rare Video Message From Captivity In the recently surfaced video, Guy Gilboa Dalal is seen sitting inside a car, seemingly above ground, and directly addressing the camera. He states that he has been held captive for 22 months, confirming that the footage is fresh and not recycled from earlier periods. This rare appearance offers a brief glimpse into the condition of the hostages who remain in Gaza. For many families, such images, though distressing, are often the only proof of life they receive from their loved ones.

This is not the first time Hamas has used hostages in propaganda-style videos. In February 2025, another clip showed Gilboa Dalal and fellow abductees forced to participate in a staged release ceremony for other captives. That video was criticized worldwide for its manipulative intent, reinforcing the psychological pressure placed not only on the hostages but also on their families and the wider Israeli public.

Psychological Warfare Through Media The Israeli government and hostage families have condemned the release of this new footage, calling it a “psychological terror video.” By showcasing captives in orchestrated conditions, Hamas seeks to send a message of control and intimidation. Experts argue that the use of hostages in such media serves multiple purposes:

Undermining Israeli morale: Families and citizens are emotionally shaken when they see their loved ones in captivity.

Propaganda value: Hamas positions itself as holding leverage in ongoing negotiations or conflict narratives.

Global attention: Videos of hostages often spark international debates, urging foreign governments and humanitarian organizations to intervene.

The families of the hostages, however, did not consent to the distribution of this material, highlighting the deep distress and trauma such videos inflict on them.

The Abduction of Guy Gilboa Dalal The story of Guy Gilboa Dalal is tragically tied to the October 7, 2023 Nova music festival attack, a moment that shocked Israel and the world. During the attack, hundreds of festival-goers were killed or abducted by Hamas militants, marking one of the bloodiest single-day assaults in Israel’s history. Dalal was among those captured and taken into Gaza, where he has now remained for almost two years.

Since his abduction, little information about his well-being has surfaced. Occasional videos like this one are rare, with long periods of silence in between. Families of hostages frequently describe these moments as emotional rollercoasters—hopeful for signs of life yet devastated by the manipulation behind such footage.

Hostage Negotiations and International Pressure The release of new hostage videos often coincides with heightened political tensions or negotiations. Analysts suggest Hamas uses such footage to strengthen its bargaining power in potential prisoner exchange deals or ceasefire talks. Israel, on the other hand, maintains a difficult balancing act: ensuring national security while responding to public pressure for the safe return of hostages.

International organizations, including the Red Cross and the United Nations, have repeatedly called for the humane treatment of hostages and their unconditional release. Yet, concrete progress has been slow. Families have organized continuous protests, vigils, and marches in Israel, demanding that the government prioritize the return of their loved ones.

Impact on Israeli Society The hostage crisis has had a profound psychological effect on Israeli society. The sight of young men and women, including civilians abducted from peaceful gatherings like the Nova festival, has created widespread anger, fear, and sorrow. Each new video release rekindles public debate about the government’s strategies and whether enough is being done to bring the captives home.

Furthermore, the hostage issue is deeply tied to broader Israeli politics and military operations in Gaza. Calls for decisive military action compete with appeals for negotiation, creating a sharp divide in public opinion. Families of hostages often express frustration that their suffering has become entangled in the larger political and military chess game.

The Role of Digital Media in Conflict In today’s era of digital warfare, videos of hostages spread rapidly across social media platforms, amplifying their emotional impact. Hamas, fully aware of this, leverages online distribution to maximize global reach. However, Israel and many international media outlets have expressed caution in reproducing these videos, given their exploitative nature.

For SEO and digital visibility, stories like this often dominate search engines with keywords such as “Hamas hostage video,” “Guy Gilboa Dalal,” “Israeli captive in Gaza,” and “Nova festival abductions.” Readers worldwide search for updates on the fate of hostages, fueling a cycle where media coverage becomes both a source of information and a tool of psychological warfare.

Humanitarian Concerns in Gaza The presence of hostages in Gaza City, a region already suffering from war, blockade, and humanitarian crises, adds another layer of urgency. Aid organizations stress that holding civilians captive violates international humanitarian law. However, Hamas has continued to use hostages as bargaining chips, a tactic condemned by governments worldwide.

Families of the abductees plead not only for their loved ones’ release but also for humane conditions during captivity. Reports suggest that hostages are often moved between underground tunnels and above-ground locations, complicating rescue efforts. The latest video, which shows Gilboa Dalal above ground in a car, is unusual and raises questions about whether Hamas is deliberately signalling something to observers.

A Timeline of Silence and Rare Proofs of Life October 7, 2023: Guy Gilboa Dalal is abducted during the Nova music festival attack.

February 2025: Hamas releases a video showing Dalal in a staged ceremony.

September 2025: A new video surfaces, showing him in captivity after 22 months.

These rare appearances highlight just how little verified information is available to families and officials. Each video, though scarce, becomes a crucial piece in piecing together the timeline of captivity.

Hope Amid Uncertainty The newly released Hamas video featuring Guy Gilboa Dalal serves as both a painful reminder of ongoing captivity and a rare sign of life. While Israeli officials label it as a psychological terror tactic, families cling to the evidence that their loved ones are still alive. The international community continues to call for the release of hostages, but progress remains uncertain.

As the conflict persists, the plight of hostages like Dalal underscores the human cost of prolonged warfare. Every video, every glimpse, keeps hope alive but also deepens the wounds of those waiting anxiously for their return. Until a breakthrough occurs, families, governments, and global organizations will remain entangled in this struggle for freedom, dignity, and closure.

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