Emotional Appeal from Naama Levy’s Family
The family of Naama Levy, an Israeli hostage, has released a harrowing video capturing the moment she and other female hostages were kidnapped. The family hopes this will remind world leaders of the urgent need to secure their release.
The Kidnapping Incident
Nineteen-year-old Naama Levy and six other young women were taken by Hamas gunmen from the Nahal Oz military base on October 7, where they were monitoring surveillance cameras along the Gaza perimeter fence. The new footage, captured by the kidnappers’ body cameras, shows the women being tied up and mistreated, with some still in their pajamas and visibly injured.
Naama’s Previous Captivity Footage
In an earlier Hamas video, Naama was seen being taken to Gaza with bloodstains on her trousers, her hands tied, and her ankles cut. This new footage further highlights the brutality of the situation as the gunmen scream at the women, tie them up against a wall, and force them into a jeep.
Families’ Decision to Release New Footage
Naama’s family, alongside the families of four other women, decided to release this new footage to raise awareness and pressure world leaders to act. Larry Tanenbaum, the Toronto businessman who was awarded the city’s WNBA franchise for C$50m ($36.5m; £28.7m), emphasized the importance of involving the public in the naming process, aiming for a name that resonates culturally and evolves over time.
Urging for a Humanitarian Solution
Amit, Naama’s brother, who is currently in London campaigning for her release, expressed hope that the video would encourage renewed negotiations between Israel and Hamas. He described the indirect talks as being in a “very bad place” and stressed the humanitarian urgency of the situation.
The Impact of the Video on Naama’s Family
Amit shared the emotional toll of watching the video, seeing his sister frightened and hurt. Despite the pain, he found strength in Naama’s resilience, viewing her as a hero fighting for her life. The family remains fearful of the risk of sexual assault, a constant worry since the kidnapping.
The Broader Context of Hostage Situations
Of the seven female observers kidnapped, one has been found deceased, and another was rescued. The remaining five, including Naama, have been held for 229 days. The family’s release of the video aims to spotlight the Israeli government’s efforts to secure the hostages’ release.
Calls for Immediate Action
Naama’s mother, Ayelet, and the Hostages and Missing Families Forum stressed the urgent need for the Israeli government to act. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, shocked by the footage, vowed to eliminate Hamas and prevent such atrocities from recurring.
Hamas’s Response
In response, Hamas claimed the video footage had been manipulated and could not be verified. Despite this, the release has intensified calls for action and brought international attention to the plight of the hostages.
Conclusion: A Plea for Global Support
The disturbing video underscores the dire humanitarian crisis and the necessity for immediate intervention. The families hope that global awareness and pressure will drive leaders to negotiate and secure the release of Naama and the other hostages, bringing them safely home.
