Former IDF hostage in Gaza: Terror from Israeli airstrikes

Former IDF hostage in Gaza: Terror from Israeli airstrikes

An Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldier who was released during a ceasefire and hostage deal has revealed that one of her biggest fears while in captivity was Israel's airstrikes. Na'ama Levy, one of five IDF soldiers released in January, made the comments at a weekly rally in Tel Aviv's Hostage Square calling for the hostages to return.

Fear of unexpected attacks

"They (the airstrikes) come as a surprise. First you hear the whistle, you pray it doesn't hit us, and then - the explosions, a sound so loud that it paralyzes the body and the ground shakes," Levy reported to a crowd of thousands. "Every time I was sure that this would be the end of me. It was one of the scariest experiences I had there and it was also the thing that put me in the most danger," she said, describing an incident in which an attack caused the house she was in to partially collapse.

The reality for those who remain

"That was my reality. It is now also the reality of all those still in captivity," she said, pointing to the hostages still held in Gaza. "Even now, at this moment, there are hostages who hear these whistles and explosions, they are there, shaking in fear. They have no place to escape to, only the option to pray and cling to the walls with a terrible feeling of helplessness."

Criticism of the Israeli government

Levy expressed concern as the families of Israeli hostages in Gaza step up their criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel growing pressure to end the war in Gaza. Netanyahu had previously stated that defeating Israel's enemies was the "ultimate goal" and more important than the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza was what received sharp criticism from representatives of the hostage families.

Urgent call for the return of all hostages

Levy called for the return of all Israeli hostages and stressed that otherwise there would be no “victory.” “There is no way that they in Israel can truly understand what we are going through and continue to let us in Gaza.” In the early months of the war, another Israeli hostage expressed similar fears of being killed, not by Hamas but by Israel itself, according to a report by Ynet, based on audio said to have been leaked from a meeting between released hostages, their families and Netanyahu.

Controversies surrounding the security authorities

Levy also weighed in on Netanyahu Appointment of a new leader Shin Bet Security Agency Maj. Gen. David Zini, who reportedly opposes the hostage deal. The families of the hostages have sharply criticized the appointment. According to Israel's Channel 12 News, Zini said in IDF General Staff meetings: "I oppose hostage deals. This is a permanent war." Reports suggest that this is a stance he has repeated many times over the past year.

Reactions to the situation in Gaza

Levy's comments come at a time when Israel growing pressure to end the war in Gaza while the enclave suffers from widespread starvation and humanitarian aid is drastically lacking. Britain has suspended trade talks and extremist settlers sanctioned in the West Bank. Canada and France have also threatened sanctions, and the European Union - Israel's largest trading partner - is reviewing its key association agreement with the country. In the words of an Israeli minister, their patience with Israel's decision to escalate the war has run out.

Memories of the day of the kidnapping

Levy's abduction was one of the first to make headlines during Hamas' October 7 attack. A video released by Hamas showed Levy with her hands tied and her hair being pulled at gunpoint.