A former Hamas hostage was forced to fake her own death in a chilling propaganda video, revealing the depths of psychological manipulation endured by captives.
At a Glance
- Daniella Gilboa, a former Hamas hostage, was coerced into faking her death for a propaganda video
- Hamas falsely claimed Gilboa was killed in an airstrike, but she was released alive in January 2025
- Gilboa was kidnapped from an IDF base in southern Israel on October 7, 2023
- President Donald Trump set a deadline for Hamas to release all hostages, threatening to cancel the ceasefire
- The IDF condemned the video and is investigating the situation
Coerced Propaganda and Psychological Manipulation
In a shocking revelation, former Hamas hostage Daniella Gilboa was forced to participate in a disturbing propaganda operation orchestrated by her captors. Gilboa’s mother, Orly, recounted the harrowing experience in an interview with Israel’s Channel 12, shedding light on the intense psychological manipulation endured by those held captive by Hamas.
“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 said.
The propaganda video, circulated by Hamas in November 2024, falsely reported Gilboa’s death as a result of an Israeli airstrike. To simulate the alleged airstrike’s aftermath, Gilboa was covered in debris and powder, creating a chilling illusion of her demise. This deceptive tactic employed by Hamas underscores the group’s willingness to exploit their captives for psychological warfare.
The Truth Unveiled: Gilboa’s Release
Contrary to Hamas’ claims, Daniella Gilboa was liberated on January 25, 2025, along with other hostages, from an IDF installation in southern Israel. The stark contrast between the propaganda video and Gilboa’s actual fate highlights the extent of Hamas’ deception and the psychological toll inflicted on both hostages and their families.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) strongly condemned the video and announced an investigation into the situation. “Hamas continues to engage in psychological terror and act with extreme brutality,” the IDF stated, emphasizing the terrorist group’s ruthless tactics.
International Pressure and Diplomatic Efforts
The hostage crisis drew widespread international scrutiny, including demands from U.S. President Donald Trump for the release of all captives. Trump set a firm deadline for Hamas to comply, threatening to cancel the ongoing ceasefire if the hostages were not freed.
“If all the Gaza hostages aren’t returned by Saturday at 12 p.m., I would say cancel the ceasefire. Let all hell break out. Israel can override it,” Trump declared.
Israel’s security cabinet supported Trump’s stance, with Prime Minister Netanyahu warning of resumed combat if the deadline was not met. This coordinated pressure from the United States and Israel aimed to expedite the release of remaining hostages and hold Hamas accountable for their actions.
The Aftermath: Physical and Emotional Scars
Gilboa’s ordeal extends beyond the psychological manipulation she endured. During her capture on October 7, 2023, she was shot in the leg, and the bullet remained lodged throughout her captivity. This physical trauma, combined with the severe conditions of her confinement, left Gilboa and other released hostages in a visibly emaciated state, prompting strong reactions from Israeli leaders.
Despite the hardships, Gilboa’s father, Ran, described her as “a hero who returned from hell,” highlighting the resilience and strength displayed by the hostages in the face of unimaginable circumstances.
As the international community continues to grapple with the aftermath of this crisis, the experiences of Daniella Gilboa and other hostages serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict and the importance of swift, decisive action in securing the release of captives held by terrorist organizations.
