Al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, released a video message on Wednesday titled "Message 01" from one of the Israeli captives held in Gaza, urging the Israeli public not to forget him and calling for pressure on the Israeli government to secure his release.

In the video, the captive, identified as Alexander Turbanov, 28 addressed both the Israeli government and the public. Turbanov begins by highlighting his situation, stating, "They [the Islamic Jihad fighters] have preserved my life several times, but my life is in constant danger due to [the Israeli] military operations."

He accused the Israeli government of launching military operations allegedly aimed at liberating captives but warned, "These actions will ultimately lead to my death." 

The al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, has released a new video message by Alexander Turbanov, one of the Israeli captives in #Gaza titled "Message 01".

In the video, Turbanov addresses both the Israeli government and the public. Turbanov begins… pic.twitter.com/65zwoi3izc

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) November 13, 2024

"A year of shortages in food, water, and electricity, as well as essential supplies like soap and shampoo, has caused me to suffer from skin diseases I never experienced before," Turbanov stressed.

Israeli captives also suffer when 'Israel' shuts down Gaza crossings

He urged Israelis to keep the captives in mind during their daily meals, highlighting that they lack the opportunity to enjoy basic food and drink. He also pointed out that when border crossings are shut down to pressure Palestinians in Gaza, Israeli captives too suffer the consequences as well.

"I’ve begun to fear the army. I’m scared of the moment when they might reach me or bomb the place where I’m being held," he said, adding that a large number of Israeli captives have been killed in the war, while very few have been freed through military operations. He noted that the first ceasefire had been the best phase.

The Israeli government aims "to bury us underground"

In a direct appeal to the Israeli public, he said, "To the citizens of Israel, I want to say this: my life is in daily danger due to the decisions made by your government." Turbanov criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu’s strategy, stating, "Military operations for our release, orchestrated by Netanyahu, are only putting us at greater risk. And then, they plan to start a war with Iran."

He asserted that, after one year of war in Gaza, the Israeli government shifted its focus to launching another war on Lebanon—an apparent attempt to divert public attention and make the captives held in Gaza fade from memory.

The captive called on the Israelis to intensify their protests, escalate actions by blocking roads, and initiate widespread strikes to amplify pressure.

Turbanov voiced a deep longing for his family, friends, and the life he once knew, expressing his strong desire to return home safely. He emphasized that this would only be possible through heightened public pressure on the government.

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