In a plea to the Israeli government, the families of five female Israeli soldiers who were kidnapped by Hamas militants on October 7 have released photographs depicting their early days in captivity. The families hope that these images will encourage the government to negotiate a deal to secure the release of their loved ones, who are still being held captive in Gaza.

The five IDF observers - Agam Berger, Daniella Gilboa, Liri Albag, Naama Levy, and Karina Ariev - were stationed at the Nahal Oz military base when it was stormed by Hamas militants during their attack on Israel last year. The Hostages Families Forum Headquarters, speaking on behalf of the families, revealed that the decision to publish the photos was made to shed light on the brutal conditions the women endured after their abduction.

The released photographs reveal the women with visible bruises and injuries, a stark reminder of the horrific abduction they experienced. Levy is shown with a badly bruised right eye, while Gilboa and Ariev are seen with bandaged heads, sitting on bedding in a barren room. These images, along with a graphic video released earlier, aim to humanize the captives and elicit empathy towards their plight.

Hamas' attack on Israel resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and more than 250 individuals captured and taken hostage in Gaza. Subsequently, Israel launched a military offensive in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of over 38,000 Palestinians, according to the Ministry of Health in Gaza.

The Hostages Families Forum emphasized that a reunion with their loved ones is within reach, calling for a deal that would bring all 120 hostages back home. They implored the Israeli government, particularly its leader, to acknowledge the suffering endured by the captives over the course of 284 days and make every effort to secure their release.

During a news conference, Albert Ariev, father of captive Karina Ariev, shared his anguish, describing his daughter's apparent exhaustion and desperation in the newly released footage. He pointed to swelling in her hands as evidence of prolonged binding and highlighted the facial wounds likely caused by shrapnel during the terrorists' invasion of the shelter.

The families also demand the return of deceased individuals in Gaza for proper burial. With over 100 hostages still believed to be held by Hamas, Prime Minister Netanyahu faces mounting pressure to negotiate their release.

Earlier this week, Netanyahu met with the families of other soldiers who were killed during the attack at the Nahal Oz base. The meeting lasted three hours, during which the Prime Minister listened to the families' stories, expressed his solidarity, and committed to a thorough investigation and commemoration of their daughters' heroism.

As the families' plea grows stronger, the Israeli government must confront the urgency of securing the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas. The release of these photos serves as a powerful reminder that their loved ones remain in captivity for far too long, calling for immediate action and compassion.