Israel accuses Hamas of psychological torment amid hostage crisis; denies responsibility for alleged deaths

Israel accused Hamas of inflicting “psychological torment” on Monday, as the militant group released a third video within 24 hours, purportedly featuring three hostages held in Gaza, with the latest video suggesting that two hostages may have been killed. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated on Monday, “Hamas, hit badly by the IDF, resorts to bringing psychological torment to the hostages’ families, leaving the IDF to clarify matters later.”

Yesterday, Hamas released a video of Itay, Yossi and Noa—innocent civilians being held captive in Gaza.

This is a prime example of how Hamas is weaponizing social media as an instrument of war and continues to exploit the lives of innocents as pawns for their terrorism. pic.twitter.com/V4Q6Kg7GTr

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) January 15, 2024

The initial video, released on Sunday, depicted Noa Argamani, Itai Svirsky, and an unnamed man speaking to a camera. It concluded with a caption teasing the announcement of their fate the next day. A second video, released on Monday, repeated the message, heightening concerns. The third video, later on Monday, seemed to show the lifeless bodies of Itai Svirsky and the unnamed man, with Noa Argamani stating they were killed by Israeli forces. The authenticity of Argamani’s statements remains uncertain, given potential duress and extensive editing, including audio effects and looped words. IDF chief spokesperson Daniel Hagari, in a Monday evening briefing, refuted claims in the third video, asserting that Svirsky had not been hit by Israeli forces. Hagari clarified that the IDF did not strike the building where the hostages were held but targeted nearby locations. Hagari stated, “We do not strike places where hostages may be present. We struck targets near their location. We are investigating the event, examining images from Hamas, and considering additional information at our disposal.” IDF representatives met with the hostages’ families, expressing “grave concern” for the fate of two captives. The situation is evolving as Israel denies involvement in the reported deaths, emphasizing ongoing investigations into the circumstances surrounding the hostage crisis.