Hamas has released a video of Elkana Bohbot, a Colombian-Israeli hostage held since October 7, 2023. The 36-year-old appears alongside Yossef-Haïm Ohana, 24, in a three-minute video harshly criticizing Israel’s decision to break the ceasefire, which had temporarily raised their hopes for release.
Colombian hostage Elkana Bohbot resurfaces in Hamas video
In the video, the two men identify themselves as hostage number 21 and 22, condemning the Israeli government for breaking the fragile truce.
“We suffered a severe blow,” says Ohana. “On March 18, the Israeli government decided to attack Gaza from the air. That attack could have killed us. We know they are telling you they intend to bring us home, but understand that an attack like the one that happened yesterday was the closest I have come to death, along with those here with me.”
The hostages in the video denounce the consequences of the ceasefire’s collapse, explaining that the truce had allowed them to receive more food and aid from Hamas fighters—until it ended.
“Enough with the government silencing our voices,” exclaims Bohbot. “You know how much suffering we are going through here,” visibly addressing a former hostage in the video.
“I was hoping that after a few weeks, I would be able to go home to my wife, but I haven’t yet,” says Bohbot, enraged.
Diplomatic efforts
Elkana Bohbot is an Israeli citizen who obtained Colombian nationality through his marriage to a Colombian woman from Bogota, with whom he has a son.
“Elkana Bohbot is the husband of a Colombian woman, the father of a Colombian child, and I granted him Colombian citizenship for that reason, as he was an Israeli citizen. He has never supported any violence,” explained President Gustavo Petro, who has repeatedly called for his release.
Colombia was reportedly working with Qatar to mediate Bohbot’s release, but progress and hopes were dashed after Israel broke the ceasefire last week, ending two months of fragile peace. Colombia had broke all diplomatic relations with Israel last year, with President Petro stating they would not resume until peace is restored in Gaza.
Bohbot’s family stated in a press release that Elkana is “living a nightmare” and that the video shows “his poor condition.” “We appeal and plead with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Trump: Please, imagine this is your son, the father of your grandchild, waiting to see the light of day, listening to the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) bombings, and living in constant fear for his life,” the statement urged.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas captured 251 people. Of these, 59 remain hostages, and Israel believes 35 of them are dead.
During the October 7 Hamas terror attack, Colombian couple Antonio Macias and Ivonne Rubio were killed.