Elderly Israeli Hostage Released by Hamas Shares Her Story of Captivity
Yochaved Lifshitz, one of the two elderly hostages released by Hamas on Monday, spoke to journalists on Tuesday about the horrific ordeal she endured during her captivity. Lifshitz, 85, was abducted along with her 83-year-old husband, Oded, from their home at the Nir Oz kibbutz near the Gaza border. While Lifshitz was released, her husband remained missing.
Lifshitz revealed that she was beaten on the day she was captured and described the experience as going through hell. However, she also expressed gratitude towards Hamas for treating her well during her time in captivity. In a video obtained by Reuters, Lifshitz can be seen shaking hands with a Hamas militant as she was returned, signaling that she was treated respectfully.
Hamas claimed to have released Lifshitz and 79-year-old Nurit Cooper on health grounds. The Palestinian group is still holding over 200 people hostage following their attacks on southern Israel on October 7. Israeli officials estimate that more than 1,400 people were killed in the initial siege and ongoing rocket attacks. However, health officials in Gaza claimed that over 5,700 people were killed by Israeli airstrikes, a figure that Israel disputes.
Lifshitz and her husband are known for their involvement in human rights activism. Her family has stated that they have worked with an organization that assists injured Palestinians in accessing medical care in local hospitals. Lifshitz’s daughter, Sharone, translated her mother’s remarks during the press conference, where Lifshitz described how she was kidnapped and mistreated by Hamas militants.
According to Lifshitz, the attackers easily breached the protective electric fence surrounding the Nir Oz kibbutz. She also stated that she and the other hostages were taken through an extensive network of underground tunnels that resembled a spider web. Lifshitz explained that the militants reassured them that they would not be harmed because they believed in the Quran.
During her captivity, Lifshitz shared that a doctor visited regularly, bringing necessary medications. She also noted that Hamas members treated their prisoners gently over the two weeks she was held. When asked why she shook hands with one of her captors, Lifshitz explained that they met their needs and were prepared for the long-planned attack.
Despite acknowledging the relatively humane treatment, Lifshitz emphasized that her ordeal was extremely difficult and that the memories would not easily fade away. She also criticized the Israeli military for failing to prevent the attack, stating that they had been abandoned by the state. The head of Israel’s military intelligence agency has taken personal responsibility for failing to detect and intercept the Hamas attack.
Lifshitz’s story provides a glimpse into the experiences of the hostages held by Hamas. As the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, it is crucial to remember the human toll and strive for a peaceful resolution to end the violence.