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Hamas releases video of executed Israeli hostage Ori Danino

Hamas video shows Ori Danino pleading for Israeli rescue efforts

On Tuesday, September 3, Hamas shared a video on their Telegram channel showing Ori Danino, one of six hostages they had executed. The bodies were discovered in a tunnel in Rafah on Saturday afternoon, August 31. The other victims were Eden Yerushalmi, Alex Lobanov, Carmel Gat, Almog Sarusi, and Hersh Goldberg-Polin.

The video starts with a montage of the six hostages’ photos. Danino introduces himself, stating his name, origin, and where he was taken hostage. He describes harsh living conditions, mentioning the lack of food, water, and electricity, and the constant shooting and bombing.

This combination of six undated photos shows hostages, from top left, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Ori Danino, Eden Yerushalmi, from bottom left, Almog Sarusi, Alexander Lobanov, and Carmel Gat, who were held hostage by Hamas militants in Gaza. On Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024, the Hostages Families Forum announced their deaths while in Hamas captivity. (The Hostages Families Forum via AP).
Image Courtesy of The Hostages Families Forum via Associated Press.

Danino addresses Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the war cabinet, accusing them of failing on October 7. He criticises their rescue attempts, saying, “Today you are trying to kill us one after another in failed rescue attempts.” He questions their absence during and after October 7.

To the people of Israel, Danino pleads for continuous efforts to ensure their survival, saying, “Get us out of here alive because at this pace no one will survive.” He expresses love for his family, stating, “There is not a day that I do not think of you.”

The video ends with him urging, “People of Israel: Do not neglect us,” followed by a sand timer and the words “time is running out.” The message “Exchange deal… freedom and life. Military pressure… death and failure” appears at the conclusion.

Danino, aged 25, reportedly aided other Nova attendees during the October 7 attack, helping them escape. He was captured while trying to rescue more people. Liel, his partner, recounted his bravery, saying he escaped the party only to return and save others, eventually getting abducted. “He excelled in everything he did,” she said.

Danino’s mother, Einav, described her son as “a true warrior.” She mentioned his significant, undisclosed role in the army and the monthly signs of life they received during his captivity. The family was hopeful due to these signs, believing the situation would end differently.

Einav shared the moment they learned of his death, receiving the news around four in the morning. Reflecting on his actions on October 7, she recalled how he met Maya and Itay Regev at the party, returned to save them despite the danger, and was ultimately kidnapped. “Ori acted with rare courage,” she said. Despite their hopes, the outcome was tragic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions asked about this news

Who was Ori Danino?

Ori Danino was a 25-year-old hostage executed by Hamas.

What did Ori Danino say in the video?

Danino spoke about harsh living conditions and criticized Israeli leadership.

When was Ori Danino found?

Danino was found on Saturday afternoon, August 31.

What did Danino’s mother say about him?

She called him a ‘true warrior’ and highlighted his bravery and dedication.

How did Ori Danino help others during the October 7 attack?

He helped other Nova attendees survive and escape, risking his life.

Luke Chapman

Luke is an experienced writer from Brisbane. He worked for several publications in Sydney for a couple of years and then moved to work in several countries around Asia. He temporarily worked as a geography teacher in an international school in Bangkok and now he is a regular contributor for The Thaiger covering mainly Australian and New Zealand news.

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