What’s Happening:
Nili Margalit, a former captive of Hamas, disclosed chilling details of her captivity and Hamas’s psychological manipulation involving fellow hostage Yarden Bibas. She shared the ordeal in an investigative television program, revealing how captors falsely informed Yarden Bibas of his family’s death to coerce a video statement.
Why It Matters:
The psychological warfare employed by Hamas against both its hostages and the Israeli public comes to light with Margalit’s testimony, uncovering the depth of trauma experienced by captives, and the extent of Hamas’s exploitation of human lives for political leverage.
The Coercion:
According to Nili Margalit, Yarden Bibas was subjected to extreme emotional duress when Hamas terrorists falsely claimed the demise of his wife and children, demanding he accuse Benjamin Netanyahu for not repatriating their bodies. The IDF contests the veracity of Hamas’s assertions, acknowledging past incidents of disinformation regarding hostages.
Margalit’s Release:
Margalit, taken hostage during a large-scale incursion by Hamas, endured 54 days of captivity. Her freedom was part of a group release during a temporary truce, yet her release was clouded by the confirmation of her father’s death, whose body remains in Gaza.
Inhumane Captivity:
The capture took place amidst a violent assault that resulted in numerous deaths and abductions, with victims subjected to horrific violence. Margalit reveals that she and others were held in an extensive underground system and occasionally met by high-ranking Hamas officials.
The Caregiver’s Role:
A nurse by profession, Margalit cared for fellow captives, provided limited medical supplies, and even instructed Yarden Bibas on how to continue treatment in her absence.
Unwavering Advocacy:
Despite the grim situation, Margalit was heartened by the efforts of those in Israel campaigning for the hostages’ release. She underscores the ongoing plight of the remaining captives, many presumed not to be alive, and the continuing recovery of bodies and intelligence by the IDF.
The Broader Context:
This account by Nili Margalit serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and human cost of the ongoing conflict, emphasizing the urgent need for solutions that prevent the exploitation of innocent lives in the broader political struggle.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.