SHOTLIST: GAZA STRIP (RELEASED ON APRIL 19, 2025) (USERS MUST CREDIT “AL-QASSAM BRIGADES” HANDOUT, MUST NOT OBSCURE LOGO —EDITORIAL USE ONLY) 1. VARIOUS OF ISRAELI HOSTAGE ELKANA BOHBOT SITTING ON BED, TALKING TO HIS FAMILY MEMBERS ON PHONE GAZA STRIP (RELEASED ON APRIL 19, 2025) (USERS MUST CREDIT “AL-QASSAM BRIGADES” HANDOUT, MUST NOT OBSCURE LOGO —EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Protests in Israel demanding the return of captives held in Gaza have intensified, with over 128,000 Israelis signing petitions urging the government to prioritize their release—even if it means halting the ongoing war. The petitions, circulated by the Restart Israel platform, saw a sharp rise from 120,000 signatures on Thursday to 128,114 by Friday, with the number of petitions increasing from 43 to 47. Hamas' armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, released a new three-minute video featuring an Israeli captive, Elkana Bohbot pleading for his freedom. In the video, Bohbot, seemingly speaking via phone call, urges his family to pressure authorities for his release. "Keep doing everything for me! Don’t stop, keep working for me," he tells his wife, before addressing the Israeli government, army, and labor unions. "I’ve heard they are signing petitions to stop the war and release us. That’s good—keep going. I realize they care more about citizens than the government does." He then appeals to his brother, Uriel, a U.S. citizen, saying, "Go to the White House, speak to President Donald Trump. You’re an American—he’ll listen. Ask him about his promises on hostages and beg him to get me out. I can’t hold on much longer. My health is not good. I swear it." According to Restart Israel, over 11,000 reserve and retired soldiers have signed at least 20 separate petitions. However, the majority of signatories are believed to be civilians. The petitions reflect growing frustration with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of hostage negotiations. Last week, Netanyahu accused military signatories of "insubordination" and suggested foreign-funded groups were undermining his coalition, which took power in late 2022. His comments came after the collapse of the first phase of a Qatar- and Egypt-mediated ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal in January. While Hamas adhered to the agreement, Netanyahu—under pressure from far-right coalition partners—refused to proceed to phase two, leading to the resumption of military operations on March 18.