After 482 traumatic days at the hands of terrorists in the Gaza Strip, two Israeli and five Thai hostages endured another ordeal on Thursday: fighting their way through a riotous crowd in the city of Khan Yunis, fearing for their safety until they were finally handed over to the Red Cross. Red Cross doctors say the face of 29-year-old German-Israeli Arbel Yehud showed she was struggling with a panic attack as she was pushed by the screaming crowd.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke of the "shocking scenes" that were further evidence of the "unimaginable cruelty of the terrorist organization Hamas." He called on the ceasefire mediators to ensure that such threats do not occur and to guarantee the safety of the hostages, writes A2 CNN.
In addition to Yehudi, 80-year-old Gadi Moses was released, as well as Thais Thenna Pongsak, Sathian Suwannakham, Sriaoun Watchara, Seathao Bannawat and Rumnao Surasak, who were living as guest workers in Israel when they were kidnapped by terrorist commandos on October 7, 2023.
Earlier on Thursday, 20-year-old Agam Berger surrendered to the Red Cross, the last of seven female soldiers captured at the Nahal Oz observation post that was overrun by Hamas.
The four female hostages who were released last Saturday told friends and relatives how difficult it was for them to watch other prisoners slowly die of wounds or be killed. Some hostages also report being isolated for long periods of time. According to the deputy head of the Israeli army's medical corps, Avi Banov, some of them were held in tunnels for up to eight months at a time, without daylight and without human contact. Others were held in groups and encouraged each other.
Naama Levy, who was released on Saturday, reported in an Instagram post that she was held for mostly just 50 days. “Afterwards, I was held prisoner with other soldiers and civilians who gave me strength and hope,” Levy wrote.
What is slowly emerging from relatives are stories of months of suffering and psychological terror, but also of courage and resilience. Amit Soussana, who was released in November 2023, said in an interview with Israeli television channel Keschet 12 that Liri Albag, who was released on Saturday, saved her life. (A2 Televizion)
A2 CNN Livestream
MUND TE LEXONI GJITHASHTU
