The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) released a new video showing Alexander Troufanov, a Russian-Israeli hostage captured on October 7. In the video, Troufanov mentions that he and the other hostages are running low on food and hygiene supplies. He asks the Israeli public to keep pushing for a deal to secure their release and says he fears the approach of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), which might risk his safety.
Previously, PIJ had released two videos of Troufanov in May. He was kidnapped alongside his parents, Yelena and Vitali, his grandmother Irena Tati, and his partner Sapir Cohen. His father was killed, while his mother, grandmother, and partner were released last year.
Hamas representative Mousa Abu Marzouk stated that any future hostage deal may prioritize Russian nationals like Troufanov and Maxin Herkin. Another Russian hostage, Alexander Lobanov, was killed in captivity, and his body was later recovered by the IDF along with other victims.
Troufanov’s mother, Lena, expressed relief at seeing him alive but voiced concern about his condition. She urged authorities to secure his release quickly. The Hostage Families Forum stressed that with winter approaching, the hostages face worsening conditions and appealed for urgent action to bring them home.
Sasha Troufanov’s family has authorized the publication of the video released this morning by Islamic Jihad.
Hamas captivity survivor Lena Troufanov, Sasha’s mother, stated: “I am relieved to see my son alive, but I am very worried to hear what he is saying. I urge that every… pic.twitter.com/hZbSvm6SRP
— Bring Them Home Now (@bringhomenow) November 13, 2024
Statement from the Hostage Families Forum:
“The heartbreaking video of Sasha Troufanov from captivity has renewed the urgent need to bring back the 101 hostages immediately. With winter approaching, these individuals—who have endured over a year of abuse, starvation, and darkness under extreme conditions—now face an even greater risk of losing their lives.
It is inconceivable and difficult to understand that nearly a year has passed since the last hostage release deal. The hostages have no time left. A deal for their release is the only way to bring them back to us: the survivors for rehabilitation, and those who were killed for a proper burial.
Bipin Joshi, the Nepali student abducted in this incident, remains unaccounted for, and his current status and whereabouts are still unknown.”
