GAZA, (PIC)
Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of the Islamic Jihad Movement, released a video on Wednesday of an Israeli man identifying himself as an Israeli captive held in the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023.
In the video, the captive, who identified himself as 28-year-old Alexander Troufanov, addressed both the Israeli government and the public. Troufanov pointed out in his video message that Islamic Jihad fighters had preserved his life several times, but his life now is in constant danger due to [Israeli] military operations.
He accused the Israeli government of launching deadly military operations aimed at liberating captives, warning that such actions would ultimately lead to his death.
“It has been a year of food, water, and electricity shortages, and now the lack of essential supplies like soap and shampoo have made me suffer from skin diseases,” Troufanov said.
Troufanov urged Israelis to remember him and other captives during their daily meals, highlighting that they lack the opportunity to enjoy simple food and drink. He also pointed out that when border crossings are shut down to pressure Palestinians in Gaza, Israeli captives suffer the consequences as well.
“I have started to be afraid of the army. I am scared of the moment when they might reach me or bomb the place where I am being held,” he said, adding that a large number of Israeli captives had been killed in the war.
“To the citizens of Israel, I want to say that my life is in daily danger due to the decisions made by your government,” he said in a direct appeal to the Israeli public.
Troufanov criticized Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu’s strategy, saying his military operations for the release of Israeli captives only put them at greater risk.
He asserted that, after one year of war in Gaza, the Israeli government shifted its focus to launching another war on Lebanon — an apparent attempt to divert public attention and make the captives held in Gaza fade from memory.
The captive called on the Israelis to intensify their protests, escalate actions by blocking roads, and initiate widespread strikes for more pressure.
He voiced a deep longing for his family, friends, and the life he once knew, expressing his strong desire to return home safely. He emphasized that this would only be possible through heightened public pressure on the government.
