Israelis Receive Widespread Hoax Calls With Hostage Recordings

Thousands of Israelis reported receiving disturbing phone calls from unknown or spoofed numbers featuring prerecorded hostage pleas and sounds of explosions, believed to be part of a psychological campaign by Hamas. The calls used audio clips from Hamas propaganda videos, including voices of hostages Yosef Haim Ohana and Elkana Bohbot captured during their abduction. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum disavowed responsibility for the calls and urged the public not to engage, emphasizing support for a unified effort to bring all hostages home. Israeli authorities, including the National Cyber Directorate, are investigating the incident and have advised recipients to immediately disconnect and block the originating numbers, assuring that the calls do not compromise phone security. The campaign has caused fear and confusion among the Israeli public as Hamas continues to hold hostages following the October 7, 2023, attacks. Several recipients shared personal accounts of receiving these calls, highlighting the distress caused by the fabricated messages.