Amit Soussana urges resilience among captives still held by Hamas in Gaza.
What it’s about:
Amit Soussana, an Israeli woman who spent 55 agonizing days as a hostage in the hands of Hamas, speaks out at Kfar Aza advocating for over 100 hostages still in Gaza since their abduction on October 7.
Why it matters:
The former captive’s firsthand account underscores the gravity of the situation faced by those still held, shining a light on the emotional and physical torment of captivity and the psychological challenges persisting beyond 115 days of detention, amplifying calls for urgent diplomatic intervention.
By the numbers:
In retaliation for Hamas’s actions, in which they killed an estimated 1,200 Israelis on October 7, Israel’s counterattacks have resulted in the deaths of more than 26,600 Palestinians according to local health officials.
Behind the scenes:
Riveting CCTV footage of her abduction showed Soussana attempting to fend off her kidnappers before being subdued and physically assaulted. Soussana recounts the horrors of being shuffled between secret locations, often a victim of torment and dehumanizing treatment in the darkness of Gaza’s underground cells.
What’s next:
During a brief ceasefire in November, almost half the hostages were released by Hamas in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Prospects of a new truce may hinge on such prisoner swaps and peacekeeping negotiations. Soussana’s narrative acts as a poignant call for attention to the ordeal of the remaining captives, amid ongoing diplomatic attempts to broker an agreement.
The bottom line:
Soussana reveals the often-hidden psychological impact of captivity and the extraordinary strength needed to withstand the ordeal. Her fortitude during capture and unflagging support for those still confined by Hamas continues to spur action and solidarity among international observers, policymakers, and advocacy groups.
This story was first published on ynetnews.com.