A militant group in Gaza released a video on Wednesday featuring Sasha Troufanov, an Israeli Russian dual citizen who has been held hostage since the Hamas-led attack on Israel 13 months ago.
This marks the first video of Mr. Troufanov since Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the second most powerful militant group in Gaza after Hamas, released two videos of him in May. The timing of the new video is unclear, but Mr. Troufanov mentions being held in Gaza for a year and states he is 28 years old, indicating it was recorded before his 29th birthday on November 11.
The release of the video has drawn renewed attention to the situation of the dozens of hostages still believed to be alive in Gaza, who have endured over a year of captivity amid ongoing conflict.
In the video, Mr. Troufanov appears fatigued, with an untrimmed beard and noticeable bags under his eyes. He discusses the lack of food and water.
His mother, Lena Troufanov, expressed alarm in response to the video. “I am relieved to see my son alive, but I am very worried to hear what he is saying,” she stated through an Israeli hostage families support group. “I urge that every effort be made to secure his immediate release and that of all other hostages. They have no time left.”
Rights groups and international law experts assert that hostage videos are typically produced under duress, with statements often coerced. Israeli officials have characterized the periodic release of hostage videos by Hamas and Islamic Jihad as a form of “psychological warfare,” with experts suggesting that their production may constitute a war crime.
Last month, Mousa Abu Marzouk, a senior Hamas official, indicated that Hamas would prioritize Mr. Troufanov’s release in any hostage exchange, stating it would be done “in honor” of President Vladimir Putin of Russia. He noted that Hamas had communicated with Islamic Jihad regarding Mr. Troufanov.
During the Hamas-led attack in October 2023, which initiated the current war in Gaza, Mr. Troufanov, along with his mother, grandmother, and girlfriend, was taken captive, while his father was killed. The three women were released weeks later during a brief cease-fire.
Last week, Sapir Cohen, Mr. Troufanov’s girlfriend, appealed to President-elect Donald J. Trump to assist in securing the release of those still held captive in Gaza. “I’m begging you, ensure that rescuing these hostages remains a top priority,” Ms. Cohen stated.
Efforts to negotiate a cease-fire in Gaza and the release of hostages have been stalled for months, with Israel and Hamas maintaining irreconcilable positions. Analysts suggest that any significant progress towards a cease-fire is unlikely until after Mr. Trump’s inauguration in January.
Hamas has consistently demanded a permanent end to the war and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza before agreeing to release more hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to continue military operations until Hamas is dismantled in Gaza, suggesting that Israeli forces may need to remain in parts of the enclave during any cease-fire.
Mr. Netanyahu has frequently altered his conditions for a potential deal, facing criticism from opponents who accuse him of prioritizing his political survival over the release of hostages. Allies within his hard-line governing coalition have advocated for indefinite Israeli control in Gaza and have opposed truce proposals that would halt military actions against Hamas.