Former hostages are calling on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to ensure the release of those still held captive
Thousands of people gathered in Tel Aviv on Saturday to support the hostages still being held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Former hostages, some of whom were released under the seven-day ceasefire that expired on Friday, spoke publicly for the first time in a video played to the crowd.
In brief interviews, these four women spoke about their fear, hunger and lack of sleep during their captivity after they were kidnapped during Hamas’s unprecedented attack on Israeli soil on October 7. According to authorities, the attack killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and 240 others were kidnapped and taken to the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip.
“Our daughters have seen things that children of this age or any age should not see,” said Danielle Aloni, 45, who was released Nov. 24 with her 5-year-old daughter. “There wasn’t much food, and as time went on it became less and less,” said Ditza Heiman, 84, who was released Tuesday.
The released hostages called on Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to take all necessary measures to secure the release of the hostages. “The moral obligation of this government is to bring them home immediately and without hesitation,” said Yocheved Lifschitz, 85, who was released in October.
“We have to bring back my Sasha and the rest of the detainees,” Elena Trupanov, a hostage released on Wednesday, said during the rally, referring to her son who is still held hostage. Families want to put more pressure on authorities to release their loved ones after the Israeli army confirmed the deaths of five hostages on Friday.
Protesters hold signs and portraits during a demonstration in Tel Aviv on December 2, 2023, demanding the release of hostages held in Gaza since the October 7 attacks. AHMAD GHARABLI / AFP