The family of hostage Alon Ohel, held by Hamas for 700 days, says new footage shows he has lost vision in his right eye, demanding urgent international action.
The family of hostage Alon Ohel, abducted by Hamas on October 7, 2023, released a statement Friday after the terror group published new video footage showing him alive but visibly suffering.
“We were shocked to see Alon’s condition,” the family said. “After consulting with eye specialists in Israel and abroad, it is clear that Alon has lost sight in his right eye. His frequent blinking shows severe difficulty focusing and seeing for extended periods.”
The family stressed that Hamas bears full responsibility for his health under international law: “No international law permits holding an injured civilian captive without medical treatment. Hamas is obligated to preserve Alon’s life and health.”
They also reminded the world that Ohel is not only Israeli but also a Serbian and German citizen: “The international community will not stand by if Alon’s medical condition deteriorates further.”
The family confirmed they are in direct contact with US Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Steve Witkoff, as well as Serbian and German authorities. They appealed to the media and public not to circulate the video or images of Alon.
Ohel, from Lavon in the Upper Galilee, was taken hostage at the Nova music festival after fleeing with others to the so-called “death shelter.” A previous video released in June 2024 showed his abduction. Survivors Eli Sharabi, Eliya Cohen, and Or Levy, released in an earlier hostage deal, confirmed they were held with Alon and that his condition was “serious.”
The latest footage underscores the urgent humanitarian crisis facing the remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza, now held for 700 days in defiance of international law.
