Hostage Alexander Troufanov Appears in New PIJ 'Proof of Life' Video

On Wednesday, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) released a new sign-of-life video featuring Russian-Israeli hostage Alexander Troufanov, who has been held captive since the October 7 attacks. In the video, Troufanov spoke of the dire conditions he and other hostages face, including dwindling food supplies and a lack of basic hygiene products. He expressed fear about the potential for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to approach his location or target the building where he is held.

This is the third video released by the PIJ showing Troufanov, with the previous ones coming in May. In his message, Troufanov urged the Israeli public to continue advocating for a deal that would secure the release of the hostages, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Hostage Situation and Family’s Plea for Release

Troufanov was abducted on October 7 alongside several members of his family: his parents, Yelena and Vitali, his grandmother Irena Tati, and his partner Sapir Cohen. While his father was tragically murdered during the hostage-taking, his mother, grandmother, and partner were freed in a deal last year.

Following the release of the video, his mother, Lena, expressed relief that her son was still alive but conveyed deep concern over his conditions. She appealed directly to the Israeli government, security officials, and the public, urging them to act swiftly for his release.

“I want to address you first, Sasha. My beloved son, I ask you to keep being strong and hold on. Do not lose hope. We will not stop fighting for your release until you are here with us, at home,” Lena said, visibly shaken but hopeful.

Calls for Urgent Action

Lena Troufanov also appealed to the people of Israel, thanking them for their ongoing support and prayers for her son and all hostages. She urged for unity in the message: “Bring everyone home, now!”

The Hostage Families Forum echoed her concerns, stressing the urgent need for a hostage release deal as winter approaches. The forum warned that the hostages have been subjected to extreme conditions of abuse, starvation, and psychological torment for over a year. Many, including Troufanov, face increasing risks to their survival, and the families are calling for a swift resolution to secure their safe return.

“It’s inconceivable and incomprehensible that almost a year has passed since the last hostage release deal. The hostages have no time left,” the forum stated. “A deal for their release is the only way to bring them all back to us: the living for rehabilitation, and those who were murdered for proper burial.”

International Focus on Hostage Release

Mousa Abu Marzouk, deputy head of Hamas’s political bureau, recently mentioned that in any potential future hostage deal, priority would be given to the release of Russian nationals, including Alexander Troufanov and Maxin Herkin. Herkin, also held by Hamas, was granted Russian citizenship by his family in an effort to secure his release.

The release of these hostages remains a central issue in ongoing negotiations, with international attention focusing on the humanitarian plight of those still in captivity.