The cruel Hamas terror organization on Shabbos published a propaganda video of Israeli hostage Liri Albag, who was kidnapped from the Nachal Oz IDF base on October 7.

Albag, who had just completed her basic training and was on her first day of duty at Nachal Oz, was abducted with four of her fellow female observation soldiers. Sixteen others, H’yd, were murdered at the base.

Liri’s parents requested that the video and Liri’s scripted statements not be published for now, approving only the release of a screenshot from the video.

They issued a statement: “The video published today shattered our hearts into pieces. This is not the same daughter and sister we know. She’s not in good shape; her severe mental state is evident. We saw our brave Liri struggling to survive and pleading for her life. She is only a few dozen kilometers away from us but for 456 days we haven’t been able to bring her home.”

“We appeal to the Prime Minister, world leaders, and decision-makers: it is time you make decisions as if your children are there! Liri is alive and must return alive! It depends only on you! Don’t miss this opportunity to bring them back. All of them.”

The Prime Minister’s Office reported on Motzei Shabbos that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu spoke with Shira and Eli, Liri’s parents, following the publication of the video.

“The Prime Minister told the family that he empathizes with the suffering that Liri, her family, and all the hostages and their families are enduring. He assured them that Israel is continuing to work tirelessly to bring Liri and all the hostages home, and that efforts are ongoing – including at this very moment. The Prime Minister reiterated that anyone who dares to harm our hostages will bear the consequences.”

The office of Defense Minister Yisrael Katz also stated on Motzei Shabbos that Katz spoke with Liri’s parents.

“During the conversation, the Defense Minister emphasized the importance of the moving sign of life received from Liri and expressed admiration for her impressive resilience and mental strength under impossible conditions.”

“The Defense Minister sought to strengthen and embrace the family, emphasizing that all parties are working in every possible way to bring Liri home quickly, along with all the female and male hostages. He also updated the parents on the ongoing efforts for the release of the hostages, including the Israeli delegation that left yesterday for talks in Qatar and the discussion held under the leadership of the Prime Minister, during which clear instructions were given for the continuation of negotiations.”

President Isaac Herzog also spoke with the Albags following the publication of the video, his office reported.

(YWN’s Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis ha’Shabbos in Israel)