The Hamas terror group on Saturday published a video clip showing an additional sign of life from hostage Idan Alexander, who was kidnapped on October 7, 2023 from the Kissufim Crossing.
Alexander immigrated to Israel from New Jersey.
The Hostages Families Forum responded to the video: "The shocking video of Idan, an American-Israeli citizen, is definite proof that despite all the rumors - there are living hostages and they are suffering greatly. One year after the first and only deal, it's clear to everyone: returning the hostages is only possible through a deal."
"After more than 420 days of continuous abuse, starvation, and darkness, the urgency of bringing home all 101 hostages cannot be overstated", the forum added, "As time runs out, we urge both current and incoming U.S. administrations to exhaust every possible option and leverage every form of pressure—the hostages' lives hang by a thread."
Alexander's "adoptive" father, Doron Zakser, told Kan Reshet Bet that Alexander is "an amazing child, and it's an amazing family. He could have received the entire pampering package - college and everything - but he was educated at home that everyone needs to do his share for the country."
"We have four soldiers who we adopted, our home is open. Every weekend, he would come, and he's like any other child. Since October 7, we have been fighting for him, that's the job of my life - and they are abandoned there."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with Alexander's family on Saturday evening. In a statement from his office following the conversation, Netanyahu noted that the video is "cruel psychological warfare."
In their conversation, Netanyahu stressed to Alexander's family that "he feels the suffering that Idan – and the hostages and their families – are enduring, and promised that Israel is determined to take every action to bring them back home, together with all of the hostages held by the enemy."