Elizabeth Tsurkov, the Israeli researcher who was abducted in Iraq nearly two years ago, is alive, and the Iraqi government is actively working to secure her release, according to statements made by Iraqi Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein to Axios on Thursday.
Tsurkov, 36, who holds Israeli and Russian citizenship, was kidnapped on March 26, 2023, while conducting research in Baghdad as part of her doctoral studies at Princeton University.
She was reportedly seized by members of Kataib Hezbollah, a pro-Iranian militia, though the group has denied any involvement in her abduction.
The confirmation of Tsurkov’s survival comes amidst ongoing efforts by the Israeli government to secure her release.
Israeli officials had remained tight-lipped about the status of their efforts until a senior official recently revealed to The Washington Post that Israel had intensified its initiatives to free the researcher.
These efforts include collaboration with international allies, such as the United States, Britain, Germany, Austria, and Canada, all of whom are reportedly using their diplomatic channels to put pressure on the Iraqi government.
The senior Israeli official emphasized the significance of this cooperation, noting that Israel and Iraq do not have formal diplomatic relations, making third-party involvement crucial.
Special envoys for hostage affairs from these countries met with Tsurkov’s family in Jerusalem earlier this week to discuss the situation, and the envoys were urged to engage their respective embassies in Baghdad to help prompt negotiations with the Iraqi government.
According to the Israeli official, the shifting dynamics in the Middle East, notably due to the regional impact of the war and the strategic setbacks experienced by Iran and its proxies, have opened up new avenues for action.
The Israeli government also views the return of U.S. President Donald Trump to the White House as a catalyst that could facilitate progress in securing Tsurkov’s release, following the successful hostage deal between Israel and Hamas that was brokered in the past year.
In addition, Israeli officials have indicated optimism that the regional political changes will create new opportunities for a breakthrough in the case.
Despite months of covert operations, Israel is now pushing for more public attention to be given to Tsurkov’s abduction, with hopes that increased international pressure will help bring her home.
Tsurkov’s family, including her mother Emma, have been vocal in their public appeals for her safe return.
In April 2023, Emma Tsurkov confronted Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani during an event in Washington, D.C., urging him to take action to secure her daughter’s release.
The family’s persistent efforts have drawn international attention to the case, highlighting the risks faced by foreign nationals conducting research in conflict zones and the complexities involved in negotiating the release of hostages in such environments.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the fate of Elizabeth Tsurkov remains at the forefront of international discussions on hostage negotiations and regional stability in the Middle East.