Sun Mar 02 04:41:18 UTC 2025: ## Hamas Video of Hostage Brothers Fuels Tensions in Israel-Gaza Conflict
**Jerusalem/Gaza City** – A new video released by Hamas depicting emotional farewells between Israeli hostage brothers has intensified the already fraught situation in the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. The video, showing Israeli-Argentine brothers Yair and Eitan Horn, along with other hostages, including Sagui Dekel-Chen, was released by the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades as the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire neared its expiration.
In the video, Eitan Horn pleads with his family and friends to continue protesting for his release and that of the remaining hostages, urging the Israeli government to accept a deal for their return. His brother Yair, who was released on February 15th, echoed the plea.
Hamas claims the video underscores the urgency of the situation, asserting that only a ceasefire agreement will secure the release of the remaining hostages. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office dismissed the video as “cruel propaganda” and a form of “psychological warfare,” stating that Israel will not be deterred from its objectives. The Prime Minister’s office confirmed that Israel is currently holding negotiations regarding a ceasefire extension.
At least 59 Israeli hostages remain in Gaza, with 24 believed to be alive. While Israel has backed a US proposal to extend the ceasefire to cover Ramadan and Passover, negotiations for the second phase remain inconclusive, despite talks in Cairo last week. Reports suggest a possible deal involving a phased release of hostages, though Hamas has previously rejected an Israeli proposal.
The release of the video comes as the first phase of the ceasefire is set to expire, raising concerns about a potential escalation of the conflict. The fate of the remaining hostages remains uncertain as both sides remain entrenched in their positions.
First Piper 