Freed Israeli captives slam renewed fighting in Gaza

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Three Israelis who were freed from Hamas captivity in January and February have joined the weekly rallies in Tel Aviv, calling for the return of those who remain in Gaza, Al Jazeera reports.

Liri Albag, Omer Wenkert and Gadi Mozes all criticised the renewed fighting in the Palestinian enclave, expressing fear that the offensive could endanger the lives of the remaining captives, according to the Times of Israel.

Albag said “any return to fighting endangers the hostages” and that whenever the Israeli air force strikes Gaza, the captives are the first to pay the price.

The soldier, who was taken from the Nahal Oz base, went on to recount the moment when the first truce deal collapsed in November 2023.

“I collapsed too,” she said. “I remember that moment. One moment when everything that held us together shattered. We were sure we were leaving home. We were sure this nightmare was over. The doors didn’t open. And the nightmare continued.”

She added, “There is no victory, no victory. Without all 59 hostages at home!”

Wenkert, who was captured from the Nova music festival, said he was starved, humiliated and beaten for 505 days and that out of those, he was held alone for 197 days.

He said he almost lost his mind. “I’m not really here. Only half of me is standing here,” he continued. “Part of us is still captive in Gaza.”

“Prime Minister Mr Benjamin Netanyahu, it’s on you to get them back,” he added. “I turn to you, leaders of the country, and reiterate: don’t look away. Look at us. See the tears in our eyes.”

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