Tied up and beaten: Israeli media shares new footage of Gaza hostage's abduction

Aryeh Zalmanovich, 86, was abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz on the back of a motorcycle, flanked by his captors seated in front and behind him, new footage published by N12 on Saturday showed. 

The video and photographs were first shown during the Weekend News Edition on N12, which shed light on his capture.

In the video, as the group moved through the streets, dozens of people attempted to get closer to the motorcycle. Some struck Zalmanovich, and in the video, he was visibly wounded and had bloodstains on his clothing and a head wound, N12 noted. 

A tractor with an Israeli license plate was seen leading the procession.

מובל על אופנוע פצוע: סרטון החטיפה של אריה זלמנוביץ' ז"ל ב-7.10https://t.co/XLXnl9FVx8 | @yollancohen pic.twitter.com/jIqBHhdxqt

— החדשות - N12 (@N12News) August 17, 2024

Zalmanovich was an experienced farmer specializing in wheat cultivation in desert environments. When he was abducted on October 7, he was hiding in a secure room when he was found by the attackers. He was taken without his glasses or hearing aid. 

Zalmanovich's health deteriorated in Gaza

Zalmanovich was a widower, a father of two, and a grandfather of five. According to accounts shared by N12 from hostages who were later released, Zalmanovich faced severe difficulties while held in Gaza. 

תיעוד: רגעי חטיפתו של אריה זלמנוביץ׳ בן ה-86 לעזה, ב-7 באוקטובר. אריה נחטף מביתו בקיבוץ ניר עוז ונרצח בשבי. מהקיבוץ נמסר: "אריה מובל על אופנוע, חבול בראשו, בעוד המון עזתי תוקף אותו באכזריות" >>> https://t.co/jHtCzyhyW4@yonatanraveh11 pic.twitter.com/Qfrl0Gq3Qe

— כאן חדשות (@kann_news) August 17, 2024

Hamas previously published a video in mid-November that showed Zalmanovich in critical condition. In the video, he was seen lying on a bed connected to a monitor and expressed that he wasn’t feeling well.

Zalmanovich's family asked that the video not be broadcast and that reporters not contact them to respect their privacy.

In later footage, he was seen motionless and wrapped in a white sheet. 

Kibbutz Nir Oz later officially announced Zalmanovich's death in captivity in December. His family, after seeing the footage, approved its release to the public to raise awareness about his experience in Gaza.

Kibbutz Nir Oz released an official statement following the publication of the video, stating, "Today, we were exposed to yet another video from October 7, capturing the brutal moments of the abduction of our dear friend, Aryeh Zalmanovich (86), from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz to the depths of Gaza’s horrors.

The video reveals the heart-wrenching scenes of Aryeh, head wounded, being dragged onto a motorcycle, while a violent crowd viciously assaults him. This chilling footage highlights the immense suffering, both physical and emotional, endured by our captives—now for over ten agonizing months—at the hands of their ruthless captors.

Aryeh, a cherished and beloved figure in our kibbutz, never made it back home. He was murdered during his captivity, kept in deplorable conditions, deprived of the essential medications and care he so desperately needed. His tragic fate reminds us that time is running out for the remaining hostages.

The timing of this video’s release, as we approach a critical round of negotiations, is a stark and urgent warning to all parties involved. This may be the final chance to save the lives of those still held captive. Every moment that passes endangers their lives, pushing them closer to a tragic conclusion.

We implore all those engaged in the negotiations—Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the negotiation teams, and every decision-maker—to recognize this crucial moment. There is no room left for political maneuvering or personal agendas.

Now is the time for brave decisions. Now is the time to secure the return of all the captives. The people of Israel will not forgive anyone who stands in the way of a deal that brings our loved ones back home.

There can be no victory without the captives. The living must be rescued and restored, and the murdered laid to rest with dignity."

Prior to his abduction, he was active and independent and regularly socialized with younger farmers. His health deteriorated following his abduction to Gaza, mainly due to a lack of access to his medications. Released hostages told N12 that he is surviving on minimal food, such as tea and two cookies.