Mother of Former Hamas Hostage Reveals Daughter Was Coerced into Faking Death for Propaganda

In a shocking revelation, Orly Gilboa, the mother of former Hamas hostage Daniella Gilboa, shared harrowing details about her daughter’s captivity. In an interview with Israel’s Channel 12, she disclosed how Daniella was allegedly forced to participate in a propaganda video that claimed she had died during an Israeli airstrike.

The Disturbing Ordeal

During the interview, Orly recounted a chilling moment when one of Daniella’s captors approached her with a camera. The captor ominously declared, “Daniella, today we’re going to film you dead.” Naturally, Daniella pleaded for her life, desperately asking him not to proceed with the grim plan. Orly further revealed that her daughter was covered in debris and dust to make the staged scene appear convincing, simulating the aftermath of an airstrike.

Claims of Death and the Reality

In November 2024, Hamas publicized a video asserting that Daniella had been killed in an Israeli airstrike, presenting the footage of her supposed corpse as evidence. Despite these claims, Daniella remained alive and was eventually released from captivity on January 25, 2025, alongside fellow hostages Liri Albag, Naama Levy, and Karina Ariev.

Israeli Response and Investigation

Following the release of the video, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced they were investigating the circumstances surrounding the filming. The IDF condemned Hamas for their actions, emphasizing that the organization engages in psychological terror and acts with extreme brutality.

Hostage Videos and Emotional Toll

Hamas produced videos featuring various hostages, amplifying the emotional distress of their families. One notable case is Yarden Bibas, whose wife and two young sons were abducted during an attack on October 7, 2023. In a video released by Hamas in November 2023, Bibas was seen breaking down upon hearing the devastating news of his family’s apparent deaths. The fate of his wife, Shiri, and their children, Ariel and Kfir, remains tragically uncertain.

The Initial Kidnapping and Continued Trauma

Daniella, Albag, Levy, and Ariev were kidnapped from an IDF base in southern Israel during a coordinated assault by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Another hostage, Agam Berger, endured an additional week alone before being released on January 30, 2025. On the day of her abduction, Daniella sustained a gunshot wound to her leg, which went untreated during her captivity.

A Father’s Heartbreaking Reflection

In an exclusive interview with Ynet, Daniella’s father, Ran Gilboa, referred to her as “a hero who returned from hell.” He recounted the terrifying uncertainty his family faced in the aftermath of her kidnapping; for two days, they were left in the dark about her fate.

“Their captors provided them with more food in the days leading up to their release. They received word about their freedom only three days prior,” Ran explained.

The Condition of Released Hostages

The release of Daniella and her fellow hostages sparked significant concern within Israel. Three male hostages released recently, Or Levy, Eli Sharabi, and Ohad Ben Ami, appeared visibly emaciated, prompting widespread shock among the public. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed not to overlook these conditions, while Israeli President Isaac Herzog described the state of the released men as a stark illustration of a “crime against humanity.”

The Urgency of Release

As tensions between Hamas and Israel continued, Hamas threatened to halt the release of additional hostages. U.S. President Donald Trump intervened, issuing a deadline for Hamas to release all remaining hostages by February 15 at noon. He asserted that if the hostages were not returned by the deadline, Israel should abandon the ceasefire agreement.

“If all the Gaza hostages aren’t returned by Saturday at 12 p.m., I would say cancel the ceasefire,” Trump declared during a press briefing at the Oval Office. “Let all hell break out. Israel can override it.”

A Call for Unconditional Release

Trump emphasized the necessity for Hamas to release all hostages at once, rather than in staggered releases. Israel’s security cabinet supported Trump’s demands, with Prime Minister Netanyahu declaring that if hostages were not returned by the deadline, Israel would intensify military operations until Hamas faced a definitive defeat.

Hope Amidst Uncertainty

Despite the chaotic backdrop, Hamas confirmed plans to free three more Israeli hostages as originally scheduled, according to statements from the Associated Press. The ongoing crisis continues to resonate deeply within the Israeli community, highlighting the challenges and fears faced by families with loved ones still in captivity.