Usa Stocks Insider
  • Business
  • World
  • Investing
  • Stocks

Usa Stocks Insider

  • Business
  • World
  • Investing
  • Stocks
World

‘Every time, I was sure this was the end’: Former IDF hostage in Gaza says one of her biggest fears was Israeli strikes

by admin May 26, 2025
May 26, 2025
‘Every time, I was sure this was the end’: Former IDF hostage in Gaza says one of her biggest fears was Israeli strikes

An Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldier released during a ceasefire-hostage deal has said one of her biggest fears during captivity were strikes carried out by Israel.

Na’ama Levy, one of five IDF female soldiers released in January, made the comments during a weekly rally at Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square on Sunday demanding the return of hostages.

“They (strikes) come unexpectedly. At first you hear the whistles, you pray that it won’t fall on us, and then – the explosions, a noise so loud that it paralyzes the body, and the ground shakes,” Levy told a crowd of thousands.

“Every time, I was sure that this was the end of me. It was one of the scariest things I experienced there and that’s also what endangered me more than anything,” she continued, describing an incident where a strike caused the house she was in to partially collapse.

“That was my reality. It’s their reality now,” she said, referring to those still in captivity.

“Even now, at this very moment, there are hostages who hear those whistles and explosions, they’re there trembling with fear. They have nowhere to run, only to pray and cling to the walls with a terrible feeling of helplessness.”

The comments from Levy come as the families of Israeli captives held in Gaza intensify their criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and as Israel comes under growing pressure to end the war in Gaza.

Earlier this month, Netanyahu said that defeating Israel’s enemies is the “supreme objective” and more important than securing the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza – drawing backlash from representatives of hostage families.

Levy urged for the return of all Israeli hostages, saying there will be “no victory” otherwise.

“There’s no way in (Israel) they really understand what we’re going through and are still leaving us in Gaza.”

In the early months of the war, another Israeli hostage expressed similar fears of being killed by Israeli strikes, Israeli media outlet Ynet reported, based on audio it said was leaked from a meeting between released hostages, their families, and Netanyahu.

The fear was that “it would not be Hamas, but Israel, that would kill us, and then they would say Hamas killed you,” said the hostage, who was released in one of the first deals.

Levy’s comments on Sunday also came after Netanyahu appointed a new chief for the country’s Shin Bet security agency on Friday, Maj. Gen David Zini, who has reportedly voiced opposition to hostage deals. The families of hostages have blasted the choice.

According to Israel’s Channel 12 News, Zini said in meetings of IDF general staff: “I oppose hostage deals. This is a forever war.” The report does not provide a specific date for Zini’s comments. Channel 12 says it was a position he repeated often over the past year.

“If the report is accurate, these are shocking statements, worthy of unequivocal condemnation, especially coming from someone who is expected to hold the fate of the hostages in his hands,” the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in a statement at the time.

In his previous position as the head of the Training Command and General Staff Corps in the IDF, Zini had little influence on hostage negotiations. But as head of the Shin Bet, he could have a significant role considering the agency’s participation in previous rounds of indirect negotiations with Hamas.

“Appointing a Shin Bet chief who prioritizes (Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu’s war over the return of the hostages is a sin upon a crime and an injustice to the entire people of Israel – a blow to the value of solidarity and the sacred duty to leave no one behind,” the forum said.

In recent weeks, Israel has come under growing pressure to end the war in Gaza as the enclave faces widespread starvation amid a severe shortage of humanitarian aid.

The United Kingdom has paused trade talks and sanctioned extremist settlers in the West Bank. Canada and France have threatened sanctions. And the European Union – Israel’s biggest trade partner – is reviewing its landmark Association Agreement with the country. In the words of one Israeli minister, their patience has worn thin over Israel’s decision to expand the war.

The kidnapping of Levy emerged as one of the first to make headlines as the Hamas-led October 7 attack unfolded.

Video released by Hamas showed Levy, who was aged 19 at the time, being dragged by her hair at gunpoint with her hands bound.

This post appeared first on cnn.com

0
FacebookTwitterGoogle +Pinterest
previous post
S&P 500 Slide Explained: What Past Price Action Reveals About Market Dips
next post
American charged with plot to throw Molotov cocktails at US embassy office in Israel

You may also like

Europe and the UK ‘reset’ relations, almost a...

May 20, 2025

Toxic cloud forces 160,000 Spaniards to stay inside...

May 10, 2025

China snubs Asia’s largest defense forum as tensions...

May 30, 2025

‘We are under a dictatorship.’ Six years into...

June 1, 2025

Secret nose job allegations, ‘Rolexgate,’ and the curse...

May 19, 2025

Farage’s hard-right Reform party narrowly wins another seat...

May 2, 2025

Three children and two adults killed in suicide...

May 21, 2025

Sudan’s RSF conducts first drone attack on Port...

May 4, 2025

He left Venezuela for the US, dreaming of...

May 29, 2025

Ukrainians on front line say Russians keep breaking...

May 9, 2025

    Stay updated with the latest news, exclusive offers, and special promotions. Sign up now and be the first to know! As a member, you'll receive curated content, insider tips, and invitations to exclusive events. Don't miss out on being part of something special.


    By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.

    Latest

    • Indian military chief acknowledges loss of fighter jets in May conflict with Pakistan

      June 1, 2025
    • Hamas responds to US plan for Gaza ceasefire, says proposal aimed at ‘permanent ceasefire’

      June 1, 2025
    • Turkish authorities escalate crackdown on opposition-run Istanbul municipality

      June 1, 2025
    • Mexican band Grupo Firme cancels US show, says visas suspended by Trump administration

      June 1, 2025
    • Trump’s foreign policy frustrations are piling up

      June 1, 2025

    Categories

    • Business (65)
    • Investing (243)
    • Stocks (119)
    • World (290)
    • About us
    • Contact us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    Disclaimer: usastocksinsider.com, its managers, its employees, and assigns (collectively “The Company”) do not make any guarantee or warranty about what is advertised above. Information provided by this website is for research purposes only and should not be considered as personalized financial advice. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendation. Any investments recommended here should be taken into consideration only after consulting with your investment advisor and after reviewing the prospectus or financial statements of the company.

    Copyright © 2025 usastocksinsider.com | All Rights Reserved