‘We believe in the Quran, we won’t harm you’: Israeli Woman Captive Speaks of Humane Treatment by Hamas

Yocheved Lifshitz, an 85-year-old Israeli woman, was released from Hamas captivity and stated that she was treated well during her two-week captivity. She mentioned that Hamas provided her with medical care and secured her necessary medicine. She also noted that they shared meals of bread, white cheese, and cucumbers with her captors.

She stated that the Hamas members expressed their belief in the Quran and assured her they wouldn’t harm her.

When asked about shaking hands with one of the Hamas members during her release, she explained that it was because they had treated her well and attended to her needs.

The release of Yocheved Lifshitz and Nurit Cooper, 79, was stated to be for compelling humanitarian reasons by Hamas’ military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades. This release was facilitated through mediation with Qatar and Egypt.

The Israeli government did not provide an official comment on this development. This was the second release of captives since the conflict began on October 7.

The first release involved Americans. The Al-Qassam Brigades mentioned that they are currently holding approximately 200-250 individuals in captivity, including both Israeli soldiers and civilians.

The conflict in Gaza, which had been under Israeli bombardment and blockade since October 7, started when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. This operation involved a surprise attack, including a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea, and air. Hamas stated that this incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and escalating violence by Israeli settlers. In response, the Israeli military conducted a sustained bombardment of the Gaza Strip and increased raids and arrests in the occupied West Bank.

Officials reported that at least 5,087 Palestinians, including 1,023 women and 2,055 children, were killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, while over 1,400 individuals in Israel lost their lives in the conflict.