[A Freed Israeli Hostage Credits Her Captors for Giving Her ‘Hope and Strength’
A freed Israeli hostage has spoken out about her 477-day ordeal at the hands of Hamas in Gaza, crediting her fellow captives for giving her “hope and strength.” Naama Levy, 20, was among four female Israeli soldiers released Saturday as part of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
“After 477 days I am finally home. I am secure and protected, and surrounded by family and friends,” Levy posted on Instagram. Levy added that she feels “better with each day that passes” and thanked IDF fighters and all Israeli people for fighting for her release.
Levy was kidnapped during the October 7, 2023, attacks, and was initially held alone, but later was joined by fellow captives. She expressed her gratitude to these individuals, who she said gave her hope and strength during her captivity.
Her parents had made numerous public pleas for her release, including a December 2023 statement urging for her return. Levy’s mother described her daughter as a “very fun-loving girl” and predicted that when she returned, she would “make the world a better place.”
The release of Levy and three other female Israeli soldiers marks the beginning of the first phase of a ceasefire deal, which is expected to last six weeks. Over the next three weeks, another 26 hostages are expected to be freed, while Israel is to release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The deal is expected to progress in three phases, with the details of the second and third phases still to be decided.
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