Hamas Releases Second Video of Israeli Hostage Alon Ohel

Hamas released new footage of Israeli hostage Alon Ohel — the second this month — in which he appeals to Israelis to keep protesting and urges leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and unnamed U.S. officials, to act as Israel continues heavy strikes on Gaza. Ohel’s family consented to his identification but asked media not to publish the video, saying he appears thin, distressed and is losing vision in one eye; the Hostages and Missing Families Forum also requested withholding. The footage includes a militant holding a gun and was described by Israeli officials as psychological warfare, with some outlets warning it signals captives’ lives may be at risk. The release coincided with a Palestinian statehood push at the U.N. General Assembly, where several countries formally endorsed recognition and called for a cease-fire and a path to a two-state solution. Observers say the clips underscore urgent concerns for remaining hostages as the Gaza war nears its second year amid heavy reported civilian casualties and ongoing fighting.