Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz today confirmed the resumption of indirect negotiations with Hamas in Qatar for the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip after the Palestinian Islamist movement’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

The minister informed the parents of hostage Liri Albagh — a video of which was released today by Hamas — “about the ongoing efforts to free the hostages, namely that the Israeli delegation left yesterday (Friday) for talks in Qatar.” his office announced. The statement added that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave “specific instructions for the continuation of negotiations.”

Reactions to the video with the hostage Liri Albag

The armed wing of Hamas today released a new video showing the life of 19-year-old Israeli hostage Liri Albagh, who was kidnapped on October 7, 2023 during the attack by the Palestinian Islamist movement’s fighters in Israel.

The video, which lasts about 3 minutes and 30 seconds and whose recording date cannot be verified, shows a young woman speaking in Hebrew and calling on the Israeli government to act for her release.

Leary Albaugh’s family said the video “broke our hearts out”.

“This is not the daughter and sister we know. Her severe psychological suffering is evident” the family said in a statement, calling on the Israeli government and world leaders not to miss the opportunity to bring back alive all the remaining hostages.

The family of 19-year-old hostage Liri Albagh has allowed screenshots of the video to be released, the Families Forum, the main association of relatives of hostages held in the Gaza Strip, has announced.

“We appeal to the prime minister, world leaders and all decision makers: it is time to make decisions as if your own children were there“, said the association.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in response to the video that Israel continues to work tirelessly to bring the hostages back home. “Anyone who dares to harm our hostages will bear full responsibility for their actions,” he said.