‘Psychological Warfare’: Palestinian Islamic Jihad Releases Third Video of Russian-Israeli Hostage

Latest Developments

• Terrorist Group Publishes Hostage Video: Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) released a propaganda video on November 13 showing Russian-Israeli hostage Alexander Troufanov calling on the Israeli public to push for a ceasefire deal. Troufanov said that he and the remaining hostages are running out of food and hygiene products, and is fearful that the IDF will accidentally kill him.

• Video Builds on Previous PIJ Messages: This is the third video PIJ has released featuring Troufanov, who turned 29-years-old in captivity on November 11. In this latest video, Troufanov says his age is 28, suggesting that the footage is at least several days old.

• 101 Hostages Languish in Gaza: Approximately 97 hostages whom Hamas terrorists abducted on October 7, 2023, remain in captivity. Seven of them are American citizens. Additionally, Hamas continues to hold captive four Israelis — including the bodies of two IDF soldiers — abducted in 2014.

FDD Expert Response

“Once again, Palestinian Islamic Jihad is cruelly exploiting the trauma of the Israeli public in a desperate attempt to end the conflict. The release of a video featuring an Israeli-Russian national in captivity is designed not only to manipulate public perception of the war, but also to inflict emotional distress on the families of the hostages.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal

“The presidential transition offers an opportunity to reset a strategy that has failed to secure the release of so many hostages, including seven Americans. While psychological warfare is one of the only tools Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad have left, Washington has a large and untapped toolbox available.” — Richard Goldberg, FDD Senior Advisor

“Palestinian Islamic Jihad continues its psychological warfare against Israel, exploiting the captivity of Troufanov in a desperate attempt at survival. Aware of its own vulnerabilities, the group leverages this situation to sow discord among Israelis, hoping to deter further military action. However, these maneuvers reveal the group’s own weakness and desperation. It is, in fact, these Palestinian factions that persistently refuse to release the hostages and do not want a peaceful resolution to the war.” — Ahmad Sharawi, Research Analyst

FDD Background and Analysis

“Documents Detail Hamas Plan to Use Hostages to Remain Military Threat,” FDD Flash Brief

“Hamas Official Visiting Moscow Moots Hostage Release as ‘Gesture to Our Russian Friends,’ FDD Flash Brief

“Palestinian Islamic Jihad Releases New Hostage Video,” FDD Flash Brief