‘Time is running out’: Hamas calls for ceasefire deal in new video, Israel calls it ‘merciless propaganda’

Israel says ‘won’t be deterred’ after Hamas points hostage video

Hamas has launched a new video exhibiting Israeli hostages, calling for second section of ceasefire deal with Israeli authorities.
The footage, shared by the group’s armed wing, the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, comes as the primary stage of the Gaza ceasefire—carried out on January 19—was set to run out on Saturday with no readability on what would comply with.
The three-minute video reveals 5 hostages sitting in a room, together with Yair Horn, who was launched on February 15, bidding emotional farewell to his brother Eitan, who stays captive. The footage additionally contains Sagui Dekel-Chen and two different unidentified hostages, whose faces have been blurred.
In a visibly emotional and pissed off attraction, Eitan Horn known as on the Israeli authorities to finalise a new deal.

“I do not want to hear that you do not want to complete the second phase. Have you gone crazy? My brother will leave, and I will stay here. And the rest of the people will stay here for a year and a half. What have you done for a year and a half? How many more people do you want to kill?” he stated.
Eitan added, “Sign the second and third stage. Enough of war!”
The video ended with a message from Hamas stating: “Only a ceasefire agreement brings them back alive.” It is accompanied by the sound of ticking and a picture of an egg timer with the phrases: “Time is running out.”
Hamas has proposed releasing all remaining hostages in a single section beneath a second-stage ceasefire. However, Israel has rejected this strategy, as an alternative pushing for continued staggered releases beneath an extension of the first-stage settlement.
Following the video’s launch, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s workplace dismissed it as “Hamas propaganda.”
“The Hamas terrorist organisation has, this evening, disseminated another cruel propaganda video in which our hostages are forced to engage in psychological warfare,” Netanyahu’s workplace stated in a press release.

Reaffirming Israel’s stance, the assertion added: “Israel will not be deterred by Hamas propaganda. We will continue to act relentlessly for the return of all of our hostages and until all objectives of the war are met.”
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, an Israeli group advocating for the captives’ launch, stated the Horn household had accredited the publication of the footage.
“It breaks our heart to see Eitan in this difficult situation, saying goodbye to his brother, (Y)air, who is being freed while Eitan remains held in Hamas hell for 512 days now,” the Horn household stated in a press release.
“We demand from the decision-makers: Look Eitan in the eyes. Don’t stop the agreement that has already brought dozens of hostages back to us. They are running out of time! Bring everyone home, now, in one phase.”