Israeli Hostage Freed by Hamas Recounts Harrowing Experience: ‘I Went Through Hell’
An 85-year-old Israeli woman who was held captive by Hamas militants in war-torn Gaza for over two weeks has been freed. Yocheved Lifshitz, the elderly hostage, described her ordeal as a living hell. The international community has been putting pressure on Hamas to release over 200 other Israeli and foreign nationals who are still trapped in Gaza.
The Israeli government was shocked and furious at the brutal attack by Hamas on southern communities, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,400 people and the capture of hostages. In response, Israel launched heavy air and artillery strikes, causing a dire humanitarian crisis and resulting in thousands of deaths in Gaza.
U.S. President Joe Biden has indicated that a ceasefire could be possible if the remaining captives are released. French President Emmanuel Macron, on a solidarity visit to Israel, emphasized the importance of rescuing the hostages. He condemned the militants for their willingness to endanger the lives of innocent civilians.
Yocheved Lifshitz, one of the two elderly hostages freed, spoke about the terrifying moment she was kidnapped. The militants rampaged through her kibbutz, forcibly took her while riding a motorcycle, and sped off through ploughed fields. Lifshitz was physically assaulted and experienced immense pain, although her ribs were not broken. She was held captive along with another elderly woman, Nurit Cooper, who was also released.
Despite the traumatic experience, Lifshitz noted that the militants treated them relatively well. They were provided with basic necessities and had regular visits from a doctor. Lifshitz mentioned that the militants seemed to have prepared for a long-term hostage situation, as they had supplies like shampoo and shared meals with the captives.
The dire situation in Gaza continues to escalate as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vows to destroy Hamas and threatens a ground invasion. Macron proposed that the international coalition fighting the Islamic State group should also combat Hamas. He also emphasized the need for reviving the Palestinian peace process.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in the destruction of numerous buildings in Gaza, leaving many victims buried beneath the rubble. The UN has called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, with over one-third of Gaza’s hospitals inoperable and limited fuel supplies hampering ambulance services.
Israel has cut off essential supplies to Gaza, exacerbating the crisis. Meanwhile, Hamas has built an intricate network of tunnels, which the Israeli military refers to as the Gaza Metro. Any ground invasion by Israeli forces is expected to be met with booby traps, weapons, and intense house-to-house fighting.
Macron cautioned against the conflict expanding further, as concerns grow about other Middle Eastern countries joining the war against Israel. There have been increased attacks on Israeli and U.S. targets by Iranian-backed groups in Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen. Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group has also engaged in cross-border fire with Israel.
In total, at least 41 people have been killed in Lebanon, including combatants and civilians, while four individuals have died in Israel, including three soldiers and a civilian.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with innocent civilians caught in the crossfire. The international community continues to exert pressure for a resolution to prevent further suffering and loss of life.
