Earlier, Hamas's Qassam Brigades released a video showcasing the transfer of hostages Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz to the Red Cross. In the video, both women, dressed in matching purple attire, walk unsteadily while being escorted by masked gunmen who also offer them snacks and beverages.
Yocheved Lifschitz, an 85-year-old hostage recently released by an armed group, has shared her harrowing ordeal, describing it as a journey through hell. She was kidnapped by gunmen affiliated with the group and taken into Gaza on motorbikes. During the ride, she suffered bruises, struggled to breathe, and endured immense physical discomfort.
According to Lifschitz, the Israeli government had invested significant resources in constructing a border fence, but it proved ineffective in preventing the group's operatives from infiltrating the region.
Peace activist among 2 Israeli hostages released by Hamas (WATCH)
BREAKING: Freed Hamas hostage Yocheved Lifshitz prepares to speak to the press outside the Tel Aviv hospital where she's being cared for.
She is with her daughter Sharone Lifschitz, who is also expected to speak.https://t.co/3ncJ4vDkrZ
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Assisting her mother in recounting the traumatic experience, Lifschitz's daughter, Sharone, confirmed that her mother was initially transported on a motorbike. She also explained the bruising, stating that her mother was subjected to physical harm using sticks. After the motorcycle ride, Yocheved was forced to walk for several kilometers on wet ground.
Sharone shed light on the situation, describing a vast network of underground tunnels controlled by the group, which she likened to a complex and intricate spider's web.
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Earlier, Hamas's Qassam Brigades released a video showcasing the transfer of hostages Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz to the Red Cross. In the video, both women, dressed in matching purple attire, walk unsteadily while being escorted by masked gunmen who also offer them snacks and beverages.
Throughout the footage, the hostages appear visibly terrified. Later in the video, the pair is seen approaching a vehicle where an individual wearing a Red Cross vest is waiting for them.
As the video nears its conclusion, Lifshitz extends her hand to shake one of the gunmen's hands as she departs. It's noteworthy that Lifshitz is a peace activist who, along with her husband, has aided sick Palestinians in Gaza in accessing hospitals for many years.
A nurse from Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv has provided a statement, stating that Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz, shortly after their release from captivity under Hamas in Gaza, seem to be in good health. The two elderly women were able to communicate and enjoyed an emotional reunion with their families, as reported by the nurse.