Hostage Video Sparks Outcry Amid Ceasefire Collapse

Palestinian Islamic Jihad released a six-minute video showing Israeli-German hostage Rom Braslavski, a 21-year-old security agent abducted during the October 2023 Nova music festival, appearing frail and pleading for help. His family accused the group of abusing and starving him, and the video was reportedly filmed days before PIJ lost contact with his captors, leaving his fate uncertain. Israeli authorities report that 49 captives remain in Gaza, with 27 believed dead. The video has intensified calls from Braslavski's family and support groups for urgent intervention and has sparked debate over the perceived lack of international focus on Israeli hostages compared to the Gaza humanitarian crisis. The release comes as ceasefire negotiations have collapsed, with families urging world leaders to help bring all hostages home. Media outlets have largely refrained from airing the video itself, sharing only stills approved by Braslavski's family.