Unyielding Hope Amidst Despair: The Unforgotten Hostages Languishing in Gaza

Date:

"I'm not prepared to give up yet": The captives remaining in Gaza

Or Neko Maymon pens in Hebrew on Facebook, "It's unjust for her to await the next agreement, simply because she isn't someone's mother or grandmother."

Alternatively, they could be discussing Inbar Haiman, a 27-year-old street artist and art student, who happens to be the sister of his partner.

Inbar was abducted by Hamas during the Supernova music festival in Israel on October 7. A few days after, a video showing her as a captive was shared on social media, revealing signs of violence like blood on her face.

BBC Verify has pinpointed her as one of the 16 females who remain as captives in Gaza, post a one-week truce between Israel and Hamas. During this temporary cease in conflict, Hamas consented to set free 110 captives, comprising of 78 women and kids, as a trade-off for 240 Palestinian detainees' liberation from Israeli penitentiaries.

The concentration of Israel on facilitating the freedom of female captives has both uplifted and shattered the expectations of the families of the women who remain captive.

Ever since Inbar was abducted, her loved ones have been advocating for her freedom, utilizing the hashtag #FreePink, which is a nod to her pseudonym as a street artist.

"Three days ago, Or penned another post, expressing his unpreparedness to let go of his hope for Inbar's return.

In November, Inbar's partner, Noam Alon, who is 24 years old, staged a 10-day protest outside the main military base in Tel Aviv. He urged the Israeli administration to intensify efforts to ensure Inbar's freedom.

During the assaults on October 7, Hamas and five other Palestinian militant organizations captured 237 individuals. According to BBC News, of these, 115 are still being held in Gaza. An Israeli government representative reported that 135 individuals are still held hostage. As there is no officially released list of captives, the BBC has independently verified the names.

The hostages still in captivity include no less than 16 females and 95 males. This count encompasses Franco-Mexican captive Orión Hernández Radoux, who is the partner of Shani Louk, a 22-year-old who lost her life following her abduction from the Supernova music event.

Shortly following the assault on the festival, a video started spreading rapidly on social media, showcasing a young female's corpse being displayed in the streets. Shani's family could recognize her in the clip by her distinct dreadlocks and unique tattoos.

In late October, Shani's mom, Ricarda, stated that the Israeli military informed her they discovered a fragment of her daughter's skull. Shani's remains are still missing.

In November, her partner Orión marked his 31st birthday while being held captive.

"Today marks Orión's birthday," posted Gabriel De la Fuente, a family acquaintance, on Facebook in Spanish, "it's been a month since he was abducted, praying for his safe return."

It is speculated that Orión was kidnapped during the festival, and the Sun newspaper claims to have viewed menacing texts in Arabic sent from his mobile device.

Every evening at 7pm, his loved ones unite in prayer via a WhatsApp group that was established to assist them in providing mutual support.

"Gabriel emphasizes that it is through collective prayer that we can offer the spiritual strength and assistance your soul currently requires, irrespective of its location."

Gil Dickmann, whose cousin Carmel Gat has been held captive since October 7, states that families anticipating the return of their loved ones have become a significant pillar of strength for one another.

"He expressed to the BBC News channel that they evolved into a substantial extended family," he communicated. "It appears as if, when their kin are being set free, mine are too."

On October 7, Carmel, a 39-year-old professional therapist from Tel Aviv, was visiting her parents in Be'eri.

Yarden Roman-Gat, her sister-in-law, was set free by Hamas on Wednesday and she was able to meet her husband and her three-year-old daughter again.

"Gil admits he wasn't certain about Yarden's survival until he laid eyes on her."

Gil describes how the 36-year-old woman of German-Israeli descent, along with her spouse and child, were seized. However, they successfully escaped from the kidnapper's vehicle close to the boundary between Gaza and Israel.

The family started to flee as they were being fired upon. Recognizing her inability to keep pace, Yarden handed her child to her husband and gave herself up to ensure the rest could get away safely.

"We were extremely delighted to see her," Gil shares.

However, now that the truce has ended, Gil's fear for his cousin Carmel, who hasn't returned home yet, continues to increase.

"Gil expresses deep concern over the termination of the ceasefire," he says. "I'm particularly anxious about her."

Numerous individuals with family or friends held captive in Gaza have been utilizing social media to advocate for their liberation, express their emotions, and provide mutual comfort in their sorrow.

The American captive Hersh Goldberg-Polin's mom has been sharing videos in which she discusses her son on the family's Bring Hersh Home Facebook page.

"Rachel expressed to the 17,000 subscribers of the Facebook page on Wednesday about an incident that occurred the previous night. She awoke at 2:13 am and began contemplating the immense suffering Hersh might be undergoing."

Based on accounts from individuals who saw the incident, Rachel reported that Hersh had his arm partially amputated due to a grenade blast prior to his abduction.

A 23-year-old individual from California was reportedly observed by bystanders as he, along with several others, was transported away from the Supernova festival on a truck, according to information relayed by his family to the Los Angeles Times. Eyewitnesses reported that he was severely hurt and appeared to be unconscious. His most recent known phone coordinates indicated that he was near the Gaza border.

"Bringing him back home is crucial so he can begin adapting to a completely new lifestyle unlike any he's had in the past," Rachel stated in a recent video.

This is simply another justification for our relentless and unwavering struggle to bring him back home.

Further reportage provided by Emma Pengelly.

Associated Subjects

Further details on this narrative

What led to the termination of the Gaza ceasefire?

Who are the freed captives?

Tales about the captives seized by Hamas from Israel

Headline News

Israeli troops advancing into the southern part of Gaza

A man from Germany was murdered in Paris during an assault involving a

Footage 'displays armed law enforcement approaching Paris suspect' Video

Characteristics

Is it possible for X to face insolvency under Elon Musk

The nation where Kissinger left a trail of destruction and disorder

A combined Irish-English perspective during the era of explosions and gunfire.

Insolvency 'prospect' following student loan dilemma

Antagonists from Bond films under scrutiny

Introducing the 100 women of this year

How researchers are combating diseases driven by climate change

White viewers are overly accepting of black stereotypes

From Oreo doughnuts to miniature pizzas: Indian street food becomes fashionable

In another section of the BBC

Reasons why American passengers are avoiding low-cost carriers

Berlin's impressive indoor community swimming facilities

The infamous female rulers of New York in the 1910s

Top Viewed

Services from BBC News

© 2023 BBC. The BBC does not bear any responsibility for the content found on other websites. Learn more about our policy on linking to outside sites.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Share post:

Subscribe

Popular

More like this
Related

Best Solar Panel Installation Companies in Pennsylvania

Many people are switching to solar energy, and for...

You’re Safer Shopping With a Credit Card This Holiday Season. Here’s Why.

I do almost all my shopping with a credit...

Razer Says Its New AI Tool Analyzes in Minutes How Products Impact the Planet

When you buy a new controller or keyboard, do...