In a recent development, two elderly Israeli women, who were released by the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, on Monday, expressed their gratitude for the humane treatment they received during their captivity. They praised the members of the Palestinian resistance for their kindness, attention to their needs, and the provision of necessary medical care.
Speaking at a press conference held at an Israeli hospital, 85-year-old Yohafed Levschitz recounted their experience, stating that the Palestinian fighters who held them were friendly and assured them of their safety. They provided them with food and beverages throughout their captivity.
Levschitz mentioned, “They told us they believe in the Quran and would not harm us, treating us with the same kindness as they do with others.”
She continued, “A doctor would visit us every few days to monitor our health and ensure we had the necessary medications. We ate bread with white cheese and cucumbers, just like they did.”
Responding to a question about why she shook hands with the Palestinian resistance members who accompanied her and another elderly woman upon their release, she said, “I did so because they treated us and the other prisoners well and took care of all our needs.”
Levschitz added, “They were extremely kind and attentive to ensure we had enough food and drink. They treated us well and paid attention to every detail.”
She further commented, “Hamas had planned everything for a long time, preparing everything we needed, including shampoo and conditioner.”
Levschitz criticized the Israeli security agencies and the Israeli army, saying, “The inefficiency of the army and the Shin Bet severely harmed us. We were used as pawns by the government.”
Criticism arose within Israel regarding allowing the released woman to hold a press conference and speak directly to the media. Amichai Stein, a correspondent for the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation, tweeted, “I’ve heard criticism from individuals involved in Israeli public relations in recent days. Allowing Yohafed Levschitz to make statements live on air was a mistake.”
Stein expressed his belief that the relevant authorities did not discuss the press conference beforehand and did not ask enough questions about it.
It should be noted that Abu Ubaida, the spokesperson for the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, announced on Monday that the brigades had released Nourit Yitzhak and Yohafed Levschitz through Egyptian and Qatari mediation due to humanitarian reasons, as Israel had previously refused to accept them.
The al-Qassam Brigades released a video of the process of releasing the detainees. Abu Ubaida confirmed that their release was carried out for humanitarian and medical reasons, despite more than 8 violations of the agreed-upon procedures by the Israeli occupation during the transfer of the detainees.
