Gaza jihadists release sick ‘proof of life’ vid of hostage Sasha Trufanov as his agonised mum says she’s ‘very worried’
A GAZA-based terror group has published footage of Israeli hostage Sasha Trufanov in a disturbing “proof of life” propaganda move.
The Palestinian Islamic Jihad shared the sick video of Sasha – torturing his distraught mum who said she is “very worried” for his safety.
After more than a year in captivity in Gaza, the young Israeli said he has endured a shortage of food, water, electricity and hygiene products.
He revealed that he is now living with a skin condition that developed during his time in the Strip.
The apparent propaganda clip sees Sasha telling the camera that his life is at risk because of “the military efforts that are aimed at releasing us”.
Sasha asks people in Israel to keep protesting against the government’s handling of the war and says the hostages have been “forgotten”.
Hamas has published similar videos of hostages before criticising the Israeli efforts to rescue hostages in Gaza – including of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi and Carmel Gat who were shot dead in captivity.
Sasha’s mum Lena told The Times of Israel: “I am happy to see that my son is alive and that he is able to survive the horrific conditions in captivity.
“However, the desperation and hopelessness on his face are very troubling, and I am very worried about his physical and mental health.
“My beloved son, I ask you to keep being strong and hold on. Do not lose hope, we will not stop fighting for your release until you are here with us, at home.
“I urge that every effort be made to secure his immediate release and that of all other hostages. They have no time left.”
The Israeli Hostages Families Forum said the “horrific” video highlights the urgent need for a deal.
They said it “highlights the urgency of returning the 101 hostages – and now, with winter approaching, these hostages, who have been subjected to horrific conditions of abuse, starvation, and darkness for over a year, face an increasing risk of losing their lives”.
Sasha was one of 117 kidnapped by terrorists from Kibbutz Nir Oz during the October 7 massacre last year in Israel.
Hamas killed some 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals and kidnapped around 250 more.
More than 42,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza so far and over 96,000 injured, according to local health centre figures.
The Israel Defence Forces also launched a ground incursion into Lebanon in early October – with over 3,000 people in the country having died since October 8 2023.
It is not clear exactly when the video of Sasha was filmed – but he does mention the Lebanon operation – meaning it must have been recorded in recent weeks.
The Hostage Families Forum organised huge marches across the country in September to protest against the government’s handling of the war.