In a significant development, an Iraqi television network aired a video featuring Elizabeth Tsurkov, an Israeli-Russian academic who was abducted in Baghdad almost nine months ago. This marks the first communication from Tsurkov since her disappearance, providing a glimpse into her condition.
The video, broadcast by Al Rabiaa TV and shared on the Telegram channels of pro-Iranian armed groups in Iraq, shows Tsurkov wearing a black shirt and speaking in Hebrew for just over four minutes. Despite these visuals, the authenticity of the footage remains unverified, and crucial details, such as the time and location of recording, are unclear.
Tsurkov, who vanished in late March and was officially declared kidnapped by Israeli authorities in July, referred to her detention exceeding seven months. In her statements, she made reference to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip since October 7. However, she did not disclose the identity of her captors or the specific location of her confinement.
The doctoral student at Princeton University and fellow at the New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy revealed her past involvement with Israeli and U.S. intelligence agencies in Syria and Iraq. Notably, she expressed frustration, stating that no efforts had been made to secure her release.
While accusations were previously directed at Iraq’s Kataeb Hezbollah by the Israeli prime minister’s office, the armed faction suggested it played no role in Tsurkov’s disappearance. The Iraqi government initiated an investigation in July but has yet to announce any findings.
Family members and Israeli authorities have refrained from commenting on the released video, leaving many questions unanswered about Tsurkov’s situation and the circumstances surrounding her abduction.
By AFP
