Hamas has released what it says is disturbing video footage of an Israeli festival-goer who was kidnapped and taken to Gaza by the terrorist group.
In the video, posted on Hamas’ official Telegram channel, a young Hebrew-speaking woman speaks to the camera claiming to come directly from central Israel.
The woman, Maya Shem, who was kidnapped during the Nova festival, says her captors are taking care of her and adds: “I only ask you to get me out of here as quickly as possible. Please.’
MailOnline decided to publish a single still image from the video after the 21-year-old’s family gave media permission.
It is the first image released by Hamas of a hostage speaking since her captivity, with the caption indicating that she was kidnapped on October 7, when Hamas attacked southern Israel.
Speaking to the camera in Hebrew, the young woman asks Hamas to release her and let her return home
The woman, Maya Shem, 21, was kidnapped during the Nova festival on October 7.
In the footage, Ms Shem can be seen saying she is being treated while the footage shows her receiving treatment for an arm injury.
The 21-year-old was among dozens of people kidnapped by Hamas as they targeted the Nova festival on October 7.
The festival was one of the first locations targeted by Hamas when the terror group launched its sneak attack across the border 10 days ago.
Hundreds of revelers taking part in the desert dance festival were gruesomely slaughtered by Hamas, while others were kidnapped and taken back to Gaza as hostages.
In footage of one such kidnapping, Noa Argamani, a 26-year-old student, was seen begging for her life on the back of a Hamas terrorist’s motorcycle.
She was seen shouting “Don’t kill me!
” No, no, no,” but the shooter fled at full speed. Noa has not been seen since.
Her boyfriend, Avi Nathan, distraught and helpless, was abandoned in the desert. He too is missing.
Yaacov, Noa’s distressed father, gave an interview to Israeli television on Sunday after the attack.
He said: “I was hoping it was a mistake and that it wasn’t true. And then at the hospital, a guy asked me if I wanted to see. I said yes and I know for sure it’s Noa…she was so petrified, so scared.
He then began to sob uncontrollably. “I have always been very protective, but at that moment I couldn’t protect her,” he told Israeli television station Channel 12 News.
“All my life, since she was born, I have tried to protect her and hug her, support her and love her. I wish I could, in this difficult moment, at least encourage her or her to say something.
The Israeli army confirmed on Monday that at least 199 hostages had been recaptured in Gaza, a figure higher than previous estimates.
Noa’s father, Yaacov, gave an interview to Israeli television on Sunday after the attack and cried uncontrollably while talking about his daughter.
Parents of Noa Argamani, kidnapped in Israeli festival massacre, sent message for their daughter’s 26th birthday in ‘hope it reaches her’
More than 1,400 people were killed by Hamas terrorist attacks on October 7, which have since been followed by thousands of deaths in Gaza in retaliatory Israeli airstrikes.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have been rallying for a ground invasion of Palestinian territory, but it was postponed at the last minute over the weekend amid suggestions they had received new information on hostages taken by Hamas.
Aaron Cohen, a former Israeli special operator, told Fox News on Sunday that claims that the invasion was postponed due to bad weather may not be the real or complete reason.
A false delay in the invasion could have bought the IDF more time to rescue the hostages, which is a top priority for the Israeli military and government.
“You are about to see Israel (do) what it does best: save good people. So stay there, he said.
The delay also gave Gazans more time to flee to the south of the region, even as it became clear that Hamas is blocking Palestinians’ ability to reach safety.
Rishi Sunak confirmed on Monday that six Britons were killed in Hamas attacks last week, while ten others are missing, some of whom may be dead.
Among the missing are two teenage British sisters who have not been heard from since Hamas attacked the community where they lived.
Noiya, 16, and Yahel, 13, along with their father Eli are missing after the terrorist group targeted Kibbutz Be’eri in its cross-border attack on October 7.
Yahel, 13 (left), and Noiya, 16 (right), were reportedly kidnapped by Hamas during last week’s attack.
Yahel (left) and Noiya (right) have not been heard from since the attack on Kibbutz Beeri on October 7. Their mother Lianne (center) was killed in the terrorist attack.
Their Bristol-born British mother Lianne was tragically killed by the terrorists amid fears the girls had been taken to Gaza by Hamas to be used as hostages.
In a tribute, members of the British family said Lianne was a ‘beloved daughter, sister, mother, aunt and friend who enriched the lives of all those who were lucky enough to have known and loved her’ .
“She lived a beautiful life and will be greatly missed by the heartbroken family and friends she leaves behind.”
As ten days have passed since the terrorist group stormed into Israel from Gaza, details continue to emerge about the horrific rampage and its many victims.
Gina Semiatich, a 90-year-old Czech Holocaust survivor, was tragically murdered in her home on Kibbutz Kissufim, less than two miles from the Gaza border. Eitan Kaptisher was celebrating his fifth birthday when he was killed by Hamas gunmen.
According to reports in Israel, Semiatich was dragged from her shelter by the terrorists and shot in the head in her living room.
Gina Semiatich, a 90-year-old Czech Holocaust survivor, was tragically murdered in her home on Kibbutz Kissufim, less than two miles from the Gaza border.
Another tragic victim of the attacks turned out to be a boy named Eitan, who, according to the official Israeli account on X (formerly Twitter), was celebrating his fifth birthday when he was killed by Hamas gunmen. “Instead of celebrating his birthday, his parents will mourn the death of their child on the day he was born for the rest of their lives,” says the story, accompanied by two photos: one of the youngster wearing a Spiderman costume and one another of his son. grave (right)
“We had spoken to him a few seconds before; she told us she was hiding in the shelter, scared,” her grandson said the day after the attack.
Speaking to Haaretz, Shmulik Harel said “dozens of terrorists entered Kisufi and broke into homes” on the kibbutz, which is home to fewer than 300 people.
“From the outside, they called ‘IDF, IDF (Israel Defense Forces)’ so that we felt safe and could go out. But the majority of residents suspected something was wrong.
He told the Israeli newspaper that he was on the phone with Semiatich moments before Hamas terrorists broke into her home. Once inside, they dragged her from her shelter and executed her on her living room floor.
According to the official Israeli account on X (formerly Twitter), Eitan Kaptisher was celebrating his fifth birthday when he was killed by Hamas gunmen.
“Instead of celebrating his birthday, his parents will mourn the death of their child on the day he was born for the rest of their lives,” says the story, accompanied by two photos: one of the youngster wearing a Spiderman costume and one another of his son. fall.
“May the memory of Eitan Kaptisher be a blessing,” the message read.
