Israelis Receive Disturbing Hoax Calls Featuring Hostage Recordings
Dozens of Israelis reported receiving disturbing phone calls overnight Friday into Saturday, featuring recordings of hostages pleading for help over the sound of explosions and sirens. The prerecorded messages, which authorities say were taken from propaganda videos released by Hamas, appeared to come from anonymous or spoofed numbers.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said the calls were not made on its behalf and warned the public not to engage. “The people of Israel support the return of all the hostages and an end to the war. It’s time the government listened to the people and brought everyone home in a single deal,” the forum said in a statement disavowing responsibility for the calls. Several forum members said they personally received the phone calls.
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In one reported voicemail, a voice was heard asking, “There are hostages in Gaza, why are you waiting?” Another included a clip from a known Hamas video, where hostage Yosef Haim Ohana says, “What will happen in a moment when I can no longer be with him and he’s left alone?” with fellow hostage Elkana Bohbot beside him.
Officials said the calls appear to be part of a psychological campaign aimed at spreading fear and confusion. The Israel National Cyber Directorate is investigating the incident and urged the public to block the numbers 074-737-5311, 079-944-4000, and 072-260-4986.
“If such a call is received, it should be disconnected immediately and the number blocked,” the directorate said. It also reassured the public that the calls do not compromise phone security.
