Alon Ohel's mother, Idit Ohel, has issued a desperate plea for her son's release from Hamas captivity. Speaking to Fox News Digital, she revealed that recently freed hostages confirmed Alon is alive but injured and suffering from malnutrition. He has been held captive for nearly 500 days since the October 7, 2023 attack on the Nova music festival.
Idit Ohel shared that released hostages Eli Sharabi and Or Levy, who were held with Alon, informed her of his condition. Shrapnel from a Hamas attack on the bomb shelter where Alon sought refuge blinded him in one eye. He has endured torture, starvation, and confinement in tunnels since his capture.
A placard featuring Alon Ohel at a rally in Tel Aviv commemorating his 24th birthday. (Eyal Warshavsky/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Idit Ohel expressed her anguish, drawing parallels to her son's suffering and the experiences of her Holocaust-surviving ancestors. She worries that her great-grandfather, who barely survived Auschwitz, would be devastated by his great-grandson's current plight.
The fragile ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas is on the brink of collapse. Hamas has reneged on its promise to release additional hostages, accusing Israel of breaching the agreement's terms. Former President Donald Trump has issued an ultimatum, demanding the release of all remaining hostages by Saturday or calling for the cancellation of the ceasefire. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has echoed this demand.
Idit Ohel directly appealed to Trump and Netanyahu, urging them to take immediate action to secure the remaining hostages' release. She emphasized the urgency of the situation, fearing a return to war would endanger their lives.
Idit Ohel addressing the crowd at a Tel Aviv rally marking her son Alon Ohel's 24th birthday. (Eyal Warshavsky/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
She described Alon's inhumane treatment, highlighting the lack of food and medical attention despite aid entering Gaza. She stressed his innocence as a civilian attending a music festival and pleaded for humanitarian intervention.
Idit Ohel also questioned the International Committee of the Red Cross's lack of access to the hostages. She expressed her disbelief and moral outrage at their continued captivity.
Attendees hold photos of hostages at a rally in Tel Aviv commemorating Alon Ohel's 24th birthday. (Eyal Warshavsky/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
She recounted the heartbreak of celebrating her son's second birthday in captivity without being able to speak to him. She shared her sleepless nights and the constant worry about his well-being, emphasizing the unimaginable pain of knowing her son is starving.
Finally, Idit Ohel delivered a heartfelt message to Alon, assuring him of his family's love and unwavering efforts to bring him home. She called on musicians worldwide to play songs in his honor, reminding him that he is not alone.
