A spokesperson for Gaza’s Islamic Jihad militant group said Thursday that an Israeli hostage had attempted to take his own life. The spokesman for the Al Quds Brigades, the group’s armed wing, made the claim in a video posted on Telegram. According to the spokesperson, a medical team intervened and saved the hostage’s life, though no further details about the man’s identity or condition were provided.
Israeli authorities have not responded to requests for comment.
The hostage situation began after Hamas and its ally Islamic Jihad launched an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Since then, Israel has conducted a military campaign in Gaza, leading to over 45,500 Palestinian casualties, according to health officials in Gaza.
Islamic Jihad’s Abu Hamza stated that the Israeli hostage attempted suicide three days ago due to psychological distress. He further claimed that the Israeli government, under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, imposed new conditions that hindered progress in negotiations for the hostage’s release.
Abu Hamza noted that the man was scheduled to be released during the first stage of an exchange deal with Israel, but did not specify the timing or terms of the deal.
Efforts by Arab mediators, supported by the United States, have failed to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, which could include the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.
Islamic Jihad’s armed wing has reportedly reinforced security and safety measures for the hostages, according to Abu Hamza.
In July, the group claimed that some Israeli hostages had also attempted suicide after being treated in a manner similar to the way Israel treats Palestinian prisoners. Israel has denied accusations of mistreatment of Palestinian detainees.
