Ilana Gritzewsky, an Israeli lady who was released after 55 terrifying days as a hostage in Gaza, gave a moving speech before the UN Security Council, according to The Times of Israel (August 28, 2025)…..CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
For the first time in such a context, she spoke out about her experience, describing in detail the terror and humiliation she suffered at the hands of Hamas.
She spoke of being made to carry one of her captors’ hands “as if I were his bride” as she made her way through the streets of Gaza. She described how locals would come out to gaze at her when she was brought to a flat, saying sourly that she was treated like a neighbourhood prize. She suffered severe physical and psychological torture. Gritzewsky disclosed that she lost about 12 kilogrammes (24 pounds) during a two-week period when she was deprived of food and drink. She begged her captors to take her to a doctor for medical issues, but none ever showed up.
The individuals who were holding her, she stressed, were not in uniform. Rather, they were civilians posing as regular professionals: one identified himself as a lawyer, the other as a maths instructor. Even though they appeared normal, they informed her straight out that she would never be able to get out and that she and the others might be held captive for five or even ten years. Her evidence described the severe physical circumstances as well as the constant psychological suffering that comes from being intimidated, silenced, and denied freedom for weeks at a time.
Gritzewsky aimed to make the situation of hostages extremely personal for the world community by presenting her experience before the Security Council. Her remarks emphasised the continued death toll from the Israel-Gaza conflict and the pressing need to secure the release of the remaining men, women, and children. She reminded everyone that there are actual people going through unspeakable pain behind the news stories and political arguments, and that ending this crisis is not just a diplomatic imperative but also a significant humanitarian duty……CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
