Teenage siblings freed from Hamas captivity, only to learn their mother had been murdered
Noam and Alma Or, aged 17 and 13 respectively, were finally released from Hamas captivity after 50 days, only to be met with the devastating news that their mother had been murdered. The siblings had been separated from their mother on October 7 during Hamas’ attacks on their community, and had held onto hope of reuniting with her.
However, upon their release, they were informed by their maternal uncle, Ahal Besorai, that their mother had been killed on the same day they were separated from her. Speaking from the Philippines to CNN, Besorai expressed the deep emotional impact this revelation had on the siblings, and how traumatic it was for them to confront this news upon their release.
Their father, Dror, remains missing and is believed to be held captive in Gaza.
It is reported that more than 200 hostages were held in Gaza by Hamas prior to the releases negotiated with Israel. The breakthrough truce agreement has seen groups of Israeli citizens and other nationals freed every day, while Israel has released Palestinian women and children detainees from its prisons.
As the initial four-day truce was extended by an additional two days, stories began to emerge from the families of freed hostages, shedding light on what life had been like in captivity.
The Or family’s ordeal is just one of many in this complex and heart-wrenching situation, as families grapple with the aftermath of being held captive by Hamas.