Daniella Gilboa, a former Hamas hostage, was coerced into pretending to be dead in a chilling propaganda video, shedding light on the group’s ruthless tactics. Her forced involvement in this video highlights the extreme emotional and psychological manipulation suffered by hostages.
A Distressing Ordeal
Hamas forced former hostage Daniella Gilboa to fake her death in a propaganda video. The video falsely claimed she was killed in an Israeli airstrike. Her abduction began during an attack on an IDF base in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, when she was shot in the leg. Despite the bullet injury, medical attention was not provided during her time in captivity until her release in January 2025.
That these four young women, barely out of their teens, had the strength to stand tall, smile, and wave in the face of a hostile crowd of terrorists and their supporters is a testament to their extraordinary courage and moral resilience. No one should be deceived by Hamas’s… pic.twitter.com/xmzidZf4q7
— Mark Dubowitz (@mdubowitz) January 25, 2025
Daniella’s mother, Orly Gilboa, recounted that Daniella was made to appear dead, covered with debris and powder for the video. This manipulation was intended to mislead international audiences. Her father, Ran Gilboa, described Daniella as “a hero who returned from hell,” highlighting the bravery and resilience she displayed during her captivity.
International Reaction
The release of Daniella Gilboa and others sparked strong reactions worldwide. The IDF condemned Hamas’s use of psychological terror and extreme brutality. President Donald Trump called for the immediate release of all hostages and threatened to end the ceasefire if Hamas did not comply. Israel’s security cabinet backed Trump’s stance, with Prime Minister Netanyahu warning of resumed combat if demands weren’t met.
A direct testimony from captivity: Daniela Gilboa, Liri Elbaz, Naama Levy, and Karina Aryev have shared the horrific details of their 477 days as hostages in Gaza. Held in civilian apartments and underground tunnels, they described being enslaved by their captors—forced to cook,… pic.twitter.com/HvaVEhRoCF
— Dr. Fundji Benedict (@Fundji3) January 26, 2025
“If all the Gaza hostages aren’t returned by Saturday at noon, I would say cancel the ceasefire. Let all hell break out. Israel can override it.” – Donald Trump.
The emotional and physical toll on hostages was evident upon their release. Many appeared emaciated, drawing further condemnation from leaders and the public. Despite a ceasefire, Hamas continued to leverage hostages for propaganda, which has led to increased international pressure on both Hamas and Israel for a resolution.
The Fight for Release
The manipulation and suffering endured by Daniella and other hostages reflect the cruel realities of hostage situations. As part of the psychological warfare, hostages like Yarden Bibas were made to believe their families had been killed. Before their release, hostages received more food, hinting at an orchestrated plan by Hamas. The complex negotiations surrounding hostage releases impacted not only the individuals but also had significant geopolitical ramifications.
“One of the captors just came to her with a camera and said, ‘Daniella, today we’re going to film you dead.’ She of course, pleaded for her life and asked him not to do it.” – Orly Gilboa.
The international community continues to watch closely as further negotiations unfold. The courage of individuals like Daniella Gilboa and their stories provides a compelling and sobering window into the consequences of geopolitical strife and the continuing efforts needed to secure the freedom of those unjustly held.