Panic in Israel After Anonymous Calls Broadcast Screams of Captives Held in Gaza
Israeli citizens report disturbing phone calls with recordings of hostages pleading for help amid explosions—authorities call it psychological warfare.
Watan-A wave of panic has spread among Israeli citizens following reports that many received anonymous phone calls from unknown numbers playing recordings of hostages screaming in terror from Gaza, according to Hebrew-language media.
Yedioth Ahronoth reported that throughout the previous night, numerous Israelis said they had received calls from unidentified Israeli numbers, during which they heard voices of captives, sirens, and explosions in the background.
One call reportedly included a clip from the video released by Hamas on May 10, showing hostage Yosef Chaim Ohana screaming, while Elkana Bohbot, appearing severely ill, sat beside him after a reported suicide attempt.
Public Pressure Mounts as Hostage Families Demand End to War
These calls come amid the ongoing Israeli military escalation in Gaza, which includes airstrikes, ground assaults, and blockades that have cut off aid, despite the fate of Israeli captives held by Hamas remaining unresolved.
Thousands of Israelis, including families of hostages, have demanded that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prioritize the return of captives—even if it means halting the war. Yet, these calls have been largely ignored by the government, now nearing the war’s second year.
In a press conference on Wednesday, Netanyahu claimed that Hamas currently holds 20 living Israeli captives and that around 38 others are presumed dead.
The Hostages’ Families Forum denied any involvement in the anonymous calls, stating that some of its own members received the calls themselves.
The forum clarified that the calls contained screams from hostages, overlaid with sounds of Israeli bombardment, and included snippets of previously released Hamas videos featuring the captives.
The group reiterated that “the people of Israel support the return of all hostages in a single deal—even if it requires ending the war.”
Cyber Directorate Labels Hostage Calls as Psychological Warfare
Meanwhile, Israel’s National Cyber Directorate (a government body) described the calls as an attempt to “incite public fear.”
It urged citizens to “immediately hang up and block such numbers”, confirming that the issue is under investigation.
According to Israel Hayom, some of the calls featured screams in Hebrew, with voices saying:“People of Israel, there are still hostages alive. Why are you waiting?”
The newspaper reported that police received multiple complaints, and the matter has been referred to national security agencies for further handling.
