Israeli-Russian Academic Allegedly Kidnapped in Iraq: Disturbing Video Emerges

A video purportedly showing Israeli-Russian academic Elizabeth Tsurkov, who was kidnapped in Iraq in March, has been shared by an Iraqi TV channel and social media close to Iraqi militia groups. The authenticity of the video has not been independently verified, but if confirmed, it would be the first images of Tsurkov since her kidnapping over seven months ago. Tsurkov is seen in the video speaking in Hebrew and referencing the Israel-Gaza war. The Israeli government has previously stated that Tsurkov is being held by Iran-backed Iraqi Shiite militia Kataeb Hezbollah, and Iraq is responsible for her safety.