IDF forces discovered recently footage in Gaza shot while sisters Dafna and Ella Elyakim were captives and decided to air it on Sunday, in a rare move. In the video, 8-year-old Ella Elyakim is seen in Gaza days after being kidnapped from her father's home in Kibbutz Nahal Oz on Oct. 7. Little Ella speaks to Hamas' camera recording her. She can be heard saying: "I am Ella Elyakim, the daughter of Noam, I am 8 years old and I am asking Bibi (referring to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu) to release us because I am a Hamas hostage."
The IDF notes that the video was released at the family's request, while there is considerable additional footage of the captives found in Gaza. The 8-year-old Ella says the terrorists asked her to re-film the video repeatedly in different clothing, did her hair, and put a bandage on her to make it look like she was being treated well, despite being held in harsh conditions and moved between many houses. According to military sources, this is evidence of Hamas' cruelty toward an 8-year-old child.
Video: 8-year-old Ella Elyakim in Gaza, days after she was kidnapped on Oct. 7, 2023
In footage shot by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, a photo was also discovered showing the two sisters together with Hamas' flag behind them. In the photo, the older sister Dafna, 15, has a dejected expression, in contrast to her younger sister who appears unaware of the magnitude of the tragedy. On Oct. 17, ten days after the Shabbat massacre, the body of Noam Elyakim was found – while his daughters Dafna and Ella had been documented as kidnapped in Gaza. Noam, his two daughters, partner Dikla Arava, and young son Tomer were sleeping in the Kibbutz when their home was attacked by Hamas terrorists.
The family requests - please share the video
IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari elaborated: "During the operation in Gaza, IDF forces uncovered footage shot by Hamas terrorists as part of the psychological terror videos they produce. The footage was shown today to the family of 8-year-old Ella Elyakim and 15-year-old Dafna Elyakim, who were kidnapped to Gaza on Oct. 7 and later released as part of the prisoner exchange deal.
"The video released today for the first time was prepared to serve as a tool for the psychological terrorism Hamas tries to employ. Nevertheless, Ella's family asked us to share the video with the world in order to expose the terrorism, cruelty, and barbarity of Hamas terrorists. The 8-year-old Ella Elyakim said Hamas gunmen forced her to read the script, change her clothes, and re-film this disturbing video over and over again."
He added, "Our hearts go out to Ella, her family, and all the families of the hostages. Please help us honor Ella's family's wish and share this video widely. We will continue doing everything in our power to bring all hostages home."
