Video of Israeli hostage released by terror group – as family warn ‘no time left’

An Israeli hostage said “I miss my freedom” in a video released by the terror group Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

Alexander Troufanov was among the dozens of people taken prisoner by militants during the 7 October attacks last year.

And while many hostages have since been released or liberated – or found dead – Mr Troufanov’s family are still hoping for his safe return.

“I miss my family, I miss my friends, I miss my life, I miss my freedom,” he says in the video, released by the militant group on Wednesday. His family have authorised its use by media organisations.

“I miss so many things. I want to return home safe and sound.”

His mother, Lena, said she was relieved to see her son alive but was “very worried to hear what he is saying”.

“I urge that every effort be made to secure his immediate release and that of all other hostages. They have no time left,” she said.

In a message to her son, Lena implored him 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.”

Read more:
Palestinians in northern Gaza on brink of starvation
A timeline of events since 7 October

The video, which Sky News has not yet been able to independently verify, was released by Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

The organisation is proscribed as a terror group by the UK and other countries and has been fighting alongside Hamas in Gaza.

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At least 1,200 people were killed and about 250 people taken captive during the 7 October attacks last year, according to Israel.

More than 43,000 people have been killed in Gaza in the fighting that has raged for more than a year now, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.