Israeli soldier captive Matan Angrest, 22. Photo circulated on social media
In the footage, Angrest, a 22-year-old Israeli soldier captured by Hamas on 7 October 2023, urges Tel Aviv to move forward with the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal.
He states that the only way for them to return is through a prisoner exchange and the transition to the next phase of the ceasefire.
"I want to tell the army that you won’t succeed in returning us through military force," he says.
"The only way to return us is through a (prisoner) exchange deal and a transition to the second phase (of the ceasefire)."
He also expressed frustration with the ceasefire phases, saying, "I’ve heard about the phases of the agreement; this does not concern the captives. We want to go home. Second phase, third phase, first phase—release all the captives, end this saga, and let everyone go their way."
"I beg you, bring us back alive, not in coffins. We want to stay alive."
The release of the Angrest video comes two days after the White House revealed that US officials and Hamas representatives are engaging in direct talks on the release of five American captives and a possible permanent end to the war.
The first phase of the ceasefire ended last weekend after six weeks of relative calm, which included exchanges of Israeli captives for Palestinian prisoners.
The US and Israel want to extend the first phase until mid-April to secure the release of more of their captives.
However, Hamas has rejected the US/Israeli demands and insists on a transition to the second phase of the deal that leads to a permanent end to the war as agreed upon in the ceasefire agreement.
In the video, Angrest addresses US President Donald Trump, saying: "We are begging you bring back all the captives, you are the only one who has the power to influence Netanyahu and the (Israeli) government."
"Contribute to completing the deal; do everything required to bring us back home as soon as possible!"
The ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the US, has been in effect since 19 January.
Under the terms of the deal, Hamas released 34 Israeli captives, including four bodies, while Israel released 1,900 Palestinian prisoners in the first phase of the ceasefire.
Of the 251 captives taken by Palestinian resistance forces on 7 October 2023, 58 remain in Gaza, including 34 killed by the Israeli military in 15 months of carpet-bombing of the strip.
Meanwhile, 10,000 Palestinians remain in Israeli jails, facing abuse and torture.
Concluding the video, Angrest sent an S.O.S. to the Israeli generals and people.
"I want to tell the army chiefs and chief of staff that your duty is to bring us back home safe."
"I have a message to the Israeli people, I ask you all to take to the streets and to not abandon us," added Angrest.
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