The Hamas terror organization on Saturday publicized a sign of life from hostage Maxim Herkin.
As per the request of the Hostages Families Forum, the video or parts of it will be published only with the family's permission.
Herkin, 36 years old and a resident of Tirat Hacarmel, was kidnapped from the Nova music festival at Re'im. He was born in Donetsk, Ukraine, and his mother holds Russian citizenship as well.
In February, Israeli Ambassador to Russia Simona Halperin said Moscow was handling Harkin's release.
Hamas published the video following Israel's decision in Israel to expand the fighting in Gaza, which will be brought Sunday for the approval of the Diplomatic-Security Cabinet.
The decision to expand the fighting was made Friday during a meeting held by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, after Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir had already approved plans to expand the fighting in the area. Following the meeting, an Israeli source said, “As long as Hamas does not release our hostages, we will continue to significantly deepen our military action.”
“This is what is going to happen unless Hamas agrees at the last minute to a deal and to release the hostages.”