What It Is About

During a security cabinet meeting, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) unveiled heartbreaking footage of a narrow tunnel where six Israeli hostages were executed by Hamas. The ghastly conditions were too cramped even to allow for standing, with high humidity and no ventilation.

Why It Matters

This footage not only underlines the severity and brutality of the conditions the hostages endured but also serves as a chilling reminder of the barbaric actions of Hamas against innocent Israeli civilians. Showing this video to the families first preserves their dignity and respects their grieving process.

Key Details

The tunnel, characterized by no space to stand and lack of ventilation, provided a bleak picture of what the hostages faced before their murder. It was shown first to cabinet ministers, then to be shown to families to decide on public release.

Ministerial Reaction

Security cabinet members were visibly shaken, with phrases like “monsters” and “animals” exemplifying their outrage over the hostages’ brutal treatment. The display underscored both the inhumane tactics of Hamas and the relentless danger Israeli lives face.

The Victims

The executed hostages were Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Ori Danino, Almog Sarusi, Carmel Gat, and Alex Lobanov. They were slain Thursday night, right in anticipation of an IDF approach to liberate them.

Parental Grief

During a related Knesset committee gathering, Esther Buchshtab, whose son Yagev was murdered in Hamas captivity, echoed the deep pain of losing a child. She remarked on the failures of return policies despite IDF efforts under military constraints.

The Bigger Picture

Mossad Chief Dedi Barnea advanced the discourse by briefing on ongoing negotiations and potential American-mediated proposals, emphasizing a significant yet uncertain diplomatic effort underway.

This story was first published on ynetnews.com.