Israel has revealed that hundreds of its citizens are being held captive by Hamas fighters in various locations across Gaza. Hamas has claimed to have hidden the hostages in “safe places and tunnels” within Gaza and has threatened to kill them if Israel bombs civilian homes without warning. These kidnappings are seen as evidence of war crimes by human rights groups.
Among the hostages are many children who have been forcibly separated from their families. Disturbing stories and videos have emerged on social media, documenting the abduction of entire families, including infants and young children. One video even shows Hamas gunmen capturing a mother along with her 9-month-old and 3-year-old sons.
On Wednesday, Israel’s official X account reposted a tweet that showcased pictures of children who have been kidnapped by Hamas operatives.
The tweet, originally shared by Ella Travels, expressed concern for the well-being of the children. It read, “Tonight is the 4th night our babies will spend in Gaza. We do not know if they were harmed, injured, or even if they are still alive. This is the time to support Israel. Do everything you can to save our children, elders, men, and women from Hamas, a terrorist ISIS-like organization. Don’t look away.”
The exact number of hostages is unknown, but the Israel Defense Forces stated on Saturday that it is “unfortunately, a significant number.” Israel’s ambassador to the UK, Tzipi Hotovely, reported to Sky News that “over 100 people” have been taken and their families have no information about their whereabouts.
Babies, children, women, the elderly, and the disabled are among those who have been taken hostage, according to IDF spokesman Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has held Hamas responsible for the well-being of the hostages and has pledged to “settle the score with anyone who harms them.” However, the situation presents a major challenge for the Israeli government, which has vowed to respond to Hamas’ attacks with a “massive” assault and “unprecedented force.”
“The cruel reality is Hamas took hostages as an insurance policy against Israeli retaliatory action, particularly a massive ground attack,” said Aaron David Miller, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
Meanwhile, the death toll in Israel has risen to over 1,200, making it the country’s deadliest attack in history. Gaza officials have reported that 900 people have been killed so far. Israel’s army has also recovered the bodies of approximately 1,500 Hamas operatives within its borders.
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