Today, the Hamas terror group released a video showing that hostage Maxim Herkin is still alive.
Herkin, 36, who lives in Tirat Hacarmel, was abducted during the Nova music festival in Re’im. Originally from Donetsk, Ukraine, Herkin’s mother is also a Russian citizen.
Back in February, Israel’s Ambassador to Russia, Simona Halperin, stated that Moscow was actively working on securing Herkin’s freedom.
The timing of the video’s release coincided with Israel’s internal discussions about intensifying its military campaign in Gaza. The proposal to escalate operations is scheduled to be brought before the Diplomatic-Security Cabinet on Sunday for approval.
The decision to step up military efforts was reached on Friday during a high-level discussion led by Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, following the prior endorsement of the plan by Defense Minister Yisroel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. An Israeli official later remarked, “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.”
{Matzav.com Israel}