Yocheved Lifshitz, an 85-yr-previous Israeli hostage released by way of Hamas, recounted her harrowing experience at a press conference in Tel Aviv Tuesday and criticised the Israeli defense force for failing to stop the initial Hamas assault.
It’s believed that greater than 200 Israelis were taken as hostages again to Gaza all over a violent assault on October seventh by way of Hamas.
Lifshitz described an difficult underground maze the place she was held, explaining that the tunnel device resembled a “spiderweb” and cited that “each and every [hostage] had a protect observing her or him.”
Physically frail but resilient in spirit, Lifshitz printed that Hamas had made meticulous preparations for his or her hostages.
“They gave the impression actually prepared for it. that They had hid it for a long time, and so they took care of the entire wants that individuals want, shampoo and conditioner,” she stated.
Detailing how Hamas fed the hostages, Lifshitz stated: “They gave us pitta bread, onerous cheese, some low fat cream cheese and cucumber and that used to be our meals for your complete day.”
She additionally unique the terrifying second of her abduction from her residence in Nir Oz, close to the Gaza border. She recounted being transported on a motorcycle, with her body awkwardly positioned, and being “taken through ploughed fields.” During this ordeal she stated the fighters taking pictures her struck her with sticks.
Alternatively, her daughter Sharone Lifshitz, who resides in London and had flown to Tel Aviv to be along with her mother, provided some contrast to the narrative. Acting as a translator for her mother, she highlighted the sudden therapy the hostages got.
Sharone said: “My mum is saying they [Hamas] have been very friendly towards them. They took care of them.”
Further elaborating on their care, the daughter translated: “They were given drugs. They have been treated. One of the most men with them was badly injured from a motorcycle accident on the way. One of the most paramedics gave him drugs and antibiotics. The folks have been pleasant and so they kept the place very smooth.”
Lifshitz additionally criticised the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) for his or her perceived complacency. She felt that the IDF did not sufficiently heed the warnings of a potential Hamas infiltration.
Hamas released Lifshitz along with any other elderly girl, Nurit Cooper, due to well being considerations. Alternatively, the husbands of both girls remain in captivity.
The fantastic second of freedom was captured on digicam, as Hamas warring parties transferred their captives into the care of Purple Cross representatives. As Lifshitz departed, she shook the hand of 1 Hamas guard and provided him a simple peace blessing: “Shalom.”
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