Kidnapping of Naama Levy: Difference between revisions

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{{Article for deletion/dated|page=Kidnapping of Naama Levy|timestamp=20250130232802|year=2025|month=January|day=30|substed=yes}}
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{{Short description|Israeli hostage taken by Hamas in 2023}}
{{Short description|Israeli hostage taken by Hamas in 2023}}
{{pp|small=yes}}
{{protection padlock|small=yes}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2023}}

{{Infobox person
{{infobox civilian attack
| name = Naama Levy
| title = Kidnapping of Naama Levy
| native_name = נעמה לוי
| partof = the [[Gaza war hostage crisis]]
| native_name_lang = he
| image =
| image = Naama Levy being taken hostage by Hamas (image 2).jpg
| alt = <!-- descriptive text for use by speech synthesis (text-to-speech) software -->
| caption = A still image from bodycam video taken by Hamas during Levy's kidnapping
| caption =
| alt = Release of Naama Levi, January 2025
| location = [[Nahal Oz]], [[Southern District (Israel)|Southern District]], [[Israel]]
| birth_name = <!-- only use if different from name -->
| coordinates = {{coord|31|28|21|N|34|29|50|E|type:event_region:IL|display=inline,title}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|2004|06|22|mf=y|df=y}}
| date = {{Start date|2023|10|07}} – {{End date|2025|01|25}}
| birth_place = Israel
| type = [[Kidnapping]]
| death_date = <!-- {{Death date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} (DEATH date then BIRTH date) -->
| death_place =
| fatalities =
| perpetrator = [[Hamas]]
| nationality = Israeli
| other_names =
| occupation = IDF spotter<ref name="Haaretz hostage list" >{{cite news |title=Hostages held by Hamas: The names of those abducted from Israel |url=https://www.haaretz.com/haaretz-explains/2023-10-22/ty-article-magazine/hostages-held-by-hamas-the-names-of-those-abducted-from-israel/0000018b-55f8-d5d2-afef-d5fdd04e0000 |access-date=24 May 2024 |work=Haaretz |date=22 October 2023 |language=en}}</ref>
| years_active =
| known_for = Abduction during the [[2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel]]
| notable_works =
}}
}}
'''Naama Levy''' ({{langx|he|נעמה לוי}}; born 22 June 2004<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Izso |first1=Lauren |last2=Tawfeeq |first2=Mohammed |date=2024-06-22 |title=Thousands gather in Tel Aviv to mark Naama Levy's 20th birthday while in Hamas captivity in Gaza |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/22/middleeast/naama-levy-birthday-israel-hostage-intl-latam/index.html |access-date=2024-07-04 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=22 June 2024 |title=Thousands of Israelis rally to mark hostage's birthday |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/thousands-israelis-rally-mark-hostages-birthday-2024-06-22/ |access-date=4 July 2024 |website=Reuters}}</ref>) is an [[Israelis|Israeli]] soldier serving in the [[Israel Defense Forces]] (IDF). On the morning of 7 October 2023, during the [[2023 Hamas attack on Israel|Hamas attack on Israel]], she was abducted from the IDF surveillance base at [[Nahal Oz]] near the [[Gaza–Israel barrier]].
'''Naama Levy''' ({{langx|he|נעמה לוי}}; born 22 June 2004<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Izso |first1=Lauren |last2=Tawfeeq |first2=Mohammed |date=2024-06-22 |title=Thousands gather in Tel Aviv to mark Naama Levy's 20th birthday while in Hamas captivity in Gaza |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/22/middleeast/naama-levy-birthday-israel-hostage-intl-latam/index.html |access-date=2024-07-04 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=22 June 2024 |title=Thousands of Israelis rally to mark hostage's birthday |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/thousands-israelis-rally-mark-hostages-birthday-2024-06-22/ |access-date=4 July 2024 |website=Reuters}}</ref>) is an [[Israelis|Israeli]] woman who was serving in the [[Israel Defense Forces]] (IDF) when she was abducted from the IDF surveillance base at [[Nahal Oz]] near the [[Gaza–Israel barrier]] on the morning of 7 October 2023, during the [[October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel|Hamas-led attack on Israel]].


Later that day, Hamas released footage on social media showing Levy in the [[Gaza Strip]], hands tied behind her back, as armed militants dragged her from the trunk of a [[Jeep]] and forced her inside the vehicle. One of the first [[Viral video|viral videos]] of the [[Israel–Hamas war]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Golodryga |first=Bianna |date=2023-12-20 |title='For her, time is running out': A mother's desperate plea to get her bloodied and battered daughter out of Hamas captivity |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/20/middleeast/naama-levy-hamas-hostage-mother-demands-release-intl/index.html |access-date=2024-05-16 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=13 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240313155342/https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/20/middleeast/naama-levy-hamas-hostage-mother-demands-release-intl/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> the footage showed Levy with multiple visible injuries and a large bloodstain on the seat of her gray sweatpants, which gave rise to widespread speculation that she had been sexually abused.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=31 March 2024 |title=Mother of Gaza hostage Naama Levy says daughter survived 'difficult things' |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/mother-of-gaza-hostage-naama-levy-we-received-a-sign-of-life-a-few-weeks-ago/ |access-date=24 May 2024 |website=[[The Times of Israel]]}}</ref> Images from the footage have come to symbolize [[Sexual and gender-based violence in the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel|sexual violence against Israeli women during the attacks]].
Later that day, Hamas released footage on social media showing Levy in the [[Gaza Strip]], hands tied behind her back, as armed militants dragged her from the trunk of a [[Jeep]] and forced her inside the vehicle. One of the first [[viral video]]s of the [[Gaza war]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Golodryga |first=Bianna |date=2023-12-20 |title='For her, time is running out': A mother's desperate plea to get her bloodied and battered daughter out of Hamas captivity |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/20/middleeast/naama-levy-hamas-hostage-mother-demands-release-intl/index.html |access-date=2024-05-16 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=13 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240313155342/https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/20/middleeast/naama-levy-hamas-hostage-mother-demands-release-intl/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> the footage showed Levy with multiple visible injuries and a large bloodstain on the seat of her gray sweatpants, which gave rise to widespread speculation that she had been sexually abused.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=31 March 2024 |title=Mother of Gaza hostage Naama Levy says daughter survived 'difficult things' |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/mother-of-gaza-hostage-naama-levy-we-received-a-sign-of-life-a-few-weeks-ago/ |access-date=24 May 2024 |website=[[The Times of Israel]]}}</ref> Images from the footage came to symbolize [[Sexual and gender-based violence in the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel|sexual and gender based violence against Israeli women during the attacks]].


On 22 May 2024, the [[Hostages and Missing Families Forum]] released footage compiled from Hamas militants' bodycams, showing Levy and other female soldiers being held captive at the surveillance base on the morning of 7 October. The families approved the release of the footage partly to pressure the Israeli government to resume hostage negotiations with Hamas.
On 22 May 2024, the [[Hostages and Missing Families Forum]] released footage compiled from Hamas militants' bodycams, showing Levy and other female soldiers being held captive at the surveillance base on the morning of 7 October. The families approved the release of the footage partly to pressure the Israeli government to resume hostage negotiations with Hamas.


On 25 January 2025, Levy was released as part of the [[2025 Israel-Hamas war ceasefire]], after spending 477 days in captivity.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-25 |title=Four Israeli hostages released by Hamas during staged handover |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1m5p9xv175o |access-date=2025-01-25 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en-GB}}</ref>
On 25 January 2025, Levy and three other female soldiers, who had served and been abducted with her, were released as part of the [[2025 Gaza war ceasefire]], after spending 477 days in captivity.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-25 |title=Four Israeli hostages released by Hamas during staged handover |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1m5p9xv175o |access-date=2025-01-25 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en-GB}}</ref>


==Biography==
==Biography==
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==Abduction==
==Abduction==
{{Broader|2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel|Nahal Oz attack}}
{{Broader|October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel|Nahal Oz attack}}
During the 7 October attacks, Levy was acting as an IDF observer<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Doron |first=Yaron |date=December 17, 2023 |title='No more room on the memorial': A high school copes with growing list of killed graduates |url=https://www.israelhayom.com/2023/12/17/no-more-room-on-the-memorial-a-high-school-copes-with-growing-list-of-killed-graduates/ |access-date=2024-03-23 |website=IsraelHayom |archive-date=23 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240323175451/https://www.israelhayom.com/2023/12/17/no-more-room-on-the-memorial-a-high-school-copes-with-growing-list-of-killed-graduates/ |url-status=live }}</ref> in the [[Nahal Oz|Nahal Oz kibbutz]] military base,<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Mann |first=Niko |date=2023-12-26 |title='I Am Disappointed': Father of Hamas Hostage Slams Michelle Obama for Being Silent About His Daughter's Kidnapping |url=https://atlantablackstar.com/2023/12/26/ather-of-hamas-hostage-slams-michelle-obama-for-being-silent/ |access-date=2024-03-23 |website=Atlanta Black Star |language=en-US}}</ref> which was [[Nahal Oz attack|attacked]] by Hamas militants. Levy's last communication with her family was at 6:55 a.m. when she texted her mother confirming she was in a [[safe room]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 November 2023 |title=Taken captive: Naama Levy, Hands of Peace project alumnus |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/taken-captive-naama-levy-hands-of-peace-project-alumnus/ |access-date=24 April 2024 |website=[[Times of Israel]] |archive-date=24 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424233711/https://www.timesofisrael.com/taken-captive-naama-levy-hands-of-peace-project-alumnus/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Further messages sent to Levy 20 to 30 minutes later went unanswered.<ref name=Gilbody /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Rebecca |title='Where the hell are you?' |url=https://www.australianjewishnews.com/where-the-hell-are-you/ |access-date=2024-03-23 |website=www.australianjewishnews.com |language=en-US |archive-date=23 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240323175452/https://www.australianjewishnews.com/where-the-hell-are-you/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
During the 7 October attacks, Levy was acting as an IDF observer<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Doron |first=Yaron |date=December 17, 2023 |title='No more room on the memorial': A high school copes with growing list of killed graduates |url=https://www.israelhayom.com/2023/12/17/no-more-room-on-the-memorial-a-high-school-copes-with-growing-list-of-killed-graduates/ |access-date=2024-03-23 |website=IsraelHayom |archive-date=23 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240323175451/https://www.israelhayom.com/2023/12/17/no-more-room-on-the-memorial-a-high-school-copes-with-growing-list-of-killed-graduates/ |url-status=live }}</ref> in the [[Nahal Oz|Nahal Oz kibbutz]] military base,<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Mann |first=Niko |date=2023-12-26 |title='I Am Disappointed': Father of Hamas Hostage Slams Michelle Obama for Being Silent About His Daughter's Kidnapping |url=https://atlantablackstar.com/2023/12/26/ather-of-hamas-hostage-slams-michelle-obama-for-being-silent/ |access-date=2024-03-23 |website=Atlanta Black Star |language=en-US}}</ref> which was [[Nahal Oz attack|attacked]] by Hamas militants. Levy's last communication with her family was at 6:55&nbsp;a.m. when she texted her mother confirming she was in a [[safe room]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 November 2023 |title=Taken captive: Naama Levy, Hands of Peace project alumnus |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/taken-captive-naama-levy-hands-of-peace-project-alumnus/ |access-date=24 April 2024 |website=[[Times of Israel]] |archive-date=24 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424233711/https://www.timesofisrael.com/taken-captive-naama-levy-hands-of-peace-project-alumnus/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Further messages sent to Levy 20 to 30 minutes later went unanswered.<ref name=Gilbody /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Rebecca |title='Where the hell are you?' |url=https://www.australianjewishnews.com/where-the-hell-are-you/ |access-date=2024-03-23 |website=www.australianjewishnews.com |language=en-US |archive-date=23 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240323175452/https://www.australianjewishnews.com/where-the-hell-are-you/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


Footage posted by Hamas later that day (according to [[Reuters]]), and widely circulated online, showed Levy in the [[Gaza Strip]], barefoot, bruised, and cut, with her hands tied behind her back, and wounds on her ankles. She was filmed being taken from the trunk of a [[Jeep]] and pushed into the interior of the vehicle by armed militants while bystanders chanted "God is Great" in Arabic ({{langx|ar|[[ الله أكبر ]]|link=no}}).<ref name=":3" /> Her mother, who did not see the video until at least a day after the attack, stated that she was unsure the disheveled and bloody woman in the video was her daughter. However, Levy's father confirmed the footage was of Naama Levy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sukheja |first=Bhavya |date=December 9, 2023 |title="Am Helpless...": Mother Of Israeli Hostage Speaks Out, Pleads For Release |url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/am-helpless-mother-of-israeli-hostage-speaks-out-pleads-for-release-4648617 |access-date=2024-03-23 |website=NDTV.com |archive-date=4 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240404222315/https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/am-helpless-mother-of-israeli-hostage-speaks-out-pleads-for-release-4648617 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Footage posted by Hamas later that day (according to [[Reuters]]), and widely circulated online, showed Levy in the [[Gaza Strip]], barefoot, bruised, and cut, with her hands tied behind her back, and wounds on her ankles. She was filmed being taken from the trunk of a [[Jeep]] and pushed into the interior of the vehicle by armed militants while bystanders chanted "God is Great" in Arabic ({{langx|ar|[[الله أكبر ]]|link=no}}).<ref name=":3" /> Her mother, who did not see the video until at least a day after the attack, stated that she was unsure the disheveled and bloody woman in the video was her daughter. However, Levy's father confirmed the footage was of Naama Levy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sukheja |first=Bhavya |date=December 9, 2023 |title="Am Helpless...": Mother Of Israeli Hostage Speaks Out, Pleads For Release |url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/am-helpless-mother-of-israeli-hostage-speaks-out-pleads-for-release-4648617 |access-date=2024-03-23 |website=NDTV.com |archive-date=4 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240404222315/https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/am-helpless-mother-of-israeli-hostage-speaks-out-pleads-for-release-4648617 |url-status=live }}</ref>


Images from the initial video of Levy's abduction have come to symbolize [[sexual and gender-based violence in the 7 October attack on Israel]]. Feminist activists in cities such as London and [[São Paulo]] have dressed in bloodied sweatpants like those worn by Levy in the footage.<ref>{{cite news |date=27 January 2024 |title=Protesters demand solidarity for raped Israeli women at feminist art event |url=https://www.thejc.com/news/uk/protesters-demand-solitary-for-raped-israeli-women-at-feminist-art-event-yoqzn6fa |access-date= |work=The Jewish Chronicle |location= |archive-date=8 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308073218/https://www.thejc.com/news/uk/protesters-demand-solitary-for-raped-israeli-women-at-feminist-art-event-yoqzn6fa |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Toueg |first=Gabriel |date=7 February 2024 |title=Bound and 'bloodied' girl shocks Brazilians into comprehending Hamas horrors |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/bound-and-bloodied-girl-shocks-brazilians-into-comprehending-hamas-horrors/ |access-date= |work=The Times of Israel |location= |archive-date=8 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308073219/https://www.timesofisrael.com/bound-and-bloodied-girl-shocks-brazilians-into-comprehending-hamas-horrors/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Images from the initial video of Levy's abduction came to symbolize [[sexual and gender-based violence in the 7 October attack on Israel]]. Feminist activists in cities including London and [[São Paulo]] dressed in bloodied sweatpants like those worn by Levy in the footage.<ref>{{cite news |date=27 January 2024 |title=Protesters demand solidarity for raped Israeli women at feminist art event |url=https://www.thejc.com/news/uk/protesters-demand-solitary-for-raped-israeli-women-at-feminist-art-event-yoqzn6fa |access-date= |work=The Jewish Chronicle |location= |archive-date=8 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308073218/https://www.thejc.com/news/uk/protesters-demand-solitary-for-raped-israeli-women-at-feminist-art-event-yoqzn6fa |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Toueg |first=Gabriel |date=7 February 2024 |title=Bound and 'bloodied' girl shocks Brazilians into comprehending Hamas horrors |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/bound-and-bloodied-girl-shocks-brazilians-into-comprehending-hamas-horrors/ |access-date= |work=[[The Times of Israel]] |location= |archive-date=8 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308073219/https://www.timesofisrael.com/bound-and-bloodied-girl-shocks-brazilians-into-comprehending-hamas-horrors/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


On 22 May 2024, the [[Hostages and Missing Families Forum]] released around three minutes of footage from Hamas militants' bodycams on the morning of 7 October. The video shows the militants taking Levy and other female soldiers hostage at Nahal Oz. Several of the women, including Levy, are seen with bloodied faces.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Boxerman |first=Aaron |date=2024-05-22 |title=New footage is released of Hamas militants taking female soldiers hostage. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/22/world/middleeast/israel-hamas-hostage-video.html |access-date=2024-05-23 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=23 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523002304/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/22/world/middleeast/israel-hamas-hostage-video.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The hostages' families approved the release of the video to show how the women were treated and to pressure the Israeli government to resume hostage negotiations.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rubin |first=Shira |date=2024-05-23 |title=Families of Israeli female hostages release video showing their capture |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/05/22/israel-hamas-video-female-soldiers/ |access-date=2024-05-23 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286 |archive-date=23 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523081939/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/05/22/israel-hamas-video-female-soldiers/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Video shows Hamas abduction of female IDF spotters on Oct. 7 |url=https://www.israeltoday.co.il/read/video-shows-hamas-abduction-of-female-idf-spotters-on-oct-7/ |access-date=2024-05-22 |website=Israel Today |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Manning |first=Lucy |date=23 May 2024 |title=Israeli hostage's family hopes video is reminder of need for deal |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg33j53qe31o |access-date=2024-05-23 |website=[[BBC News]] |language=en-GB |archive-date=23 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523001352/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg33j53qe31o |url-status=live }}</ref> In the video, Levy pleads with the militants in English, saying: "I have friends in Palestine."<ref name=":6" /> The Israeli prime minister [[Benjamin Netanyahu]] stated he was "shocked" by the footage and promised to do everything possible to bring the remaining hostages home.<ref name=":6" />
On 22 May 2024, the [[Hostages and Missing Families Forum]] released around three minutes of footage from Hamas militants' bodycams on the morning of 7 October. The video shows the militants taking Levy and other female soldiers hostage at Nahal Oz. Several of the women, including Levy, are seen with bloodied faces.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Boxerman |first=Aaron |date=2024-05-22 |title=New footage is released of Hamas militants taking female soldiers hostage. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/22/world/middleeast/israel-hamas-hostage-video.html |access-date=2024-05-23 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=23 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523002304/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/22/world/middleeast/israel-hamas-hostage-video.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The hostages' families approved the release of the video to show how the women were treated and to pressure the Israeli government to resume hostage negotiations.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rubin |first=Shira |date=2024-05-23 |title=Families of Israeli female hostages release video showing their capture |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/05/22/israel-hamas-video-female-soldiers/ |access-date=2024-05-23 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286 |archive-date=23 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523081939/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/05/22/israel-hamas-video-female-soldiers/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Video shows Hamas abduction of female IDF spotters on Oct. 7 |url=https://www.israeltoday.co.il/read/video-shows-hamas-abduction-of-female-idf-spotters-on-oct-7/ |access-date=2024-05-22 |website=Israel Today |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Manning |first=Lucy |date=23 May 2024 |title=Israeli hostage's family hopes video is reminder of need for deal |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg33j53qe31o |access-date=2024-05-23 |website=[[BBC News]] |language=en-GB |archive-date=23 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523001352/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg33j53qe31o |url-status=live }}</ref> In the video, Levy pleads with the militants in English, saying: "I have friends in Palestine."<ref name=":6" /> The Israeli prime minister [[Benjamin Netanyahu]] stated he was "shocked" by the footage and promised to do everything possible to bring the remaining hostages home.<ref name=":6" />


On 16 July 2024, in a further bid to renew pressure for a hostage deal, Levy's family approved the release of a photo from the early days of her captivity, showing her with a black eye and a swollen face.<ref>[https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/families-release-images-of-5-female-troops-from-their-first-days-held-in-gaza/ Families release images of 5 female troops from their first days held in Gaza]</ref>
On 16 July 2024, in a further bid to renew pressure for a hostage deal, Levy's family approved the release of a photo from the early days of her captivity, showing her with a black eye and a swollen face.<ref>[https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/families-release-images-of-5-female-troops-from-their-first-days-held-in-gaza/ Families release images of 5 female troops from their first days held in Gaza]</ref>


==Efforts to secure Levy's release==
==Efforts to secure Levy's release==
{{multiple image|perrow = 2
[[File:112760 naama levy - 20th birthday PikiWiki Israel.jpg|thumb|Israeli children coloring a [[mandala]] in [[Hostages Square]] in [[Tel Aviv]] to commemorate Levy's 20th birthday. According to released hostages Levy drew mandalas in captivity ]]
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| header = Israelis taking Naama Levy's cause
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| caption1 = Israeli children coloring a [[mandala]] in [[Hostages Square]] in [[Tel Aviv]] to commemorate Levy's 20th birthday. According to released hostages Levy drew mandalas in captivity
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| caption2 = A protest at [[Hostage Square]] recreating the event in which 16 [[IDF]] observers were killed and the five (including Levy) were kidnapped.
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| caption3 = Protest march on Levy's 20th birthday that ended at Hostages Square{{efn|Translation of banner: Top row:Naama, we are waiting for you at home. Bottom row: Also wishing for the return of all the hostages.}}
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In a December 2023 interview with the Israeli channel [[I24NEWS (Israeli TV channel)|i24 News]], her father Yoni Levy requested the assistance of international organizations. He stated that while Levy had volunteered for and worked with organizations such as the [[International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement|Red Cross]], the [[United Nations|UN]], and women's organizations, those organizations had not intervened on behalf of Levy and other female hostages.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ben-David |first=Calev |date=2023-12-06 |title=Father of abducted teen, Naama Levy, pleads for international action amidst reports of dire conditions in Gaza |url=https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/society/1701898703-father-of-abducted-teen-naama-levy-pleads-for-international-action-amidst-reports-of-dire-conditions-in-gaza |access-date=2024-03-18 |website=I24news |language=en |archive-date=18 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240318204908/https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/society/1701898703-father-of-abducted-teen-naama-levy-pleads-for-international-action-amidst-reports-of-dire-conditions-in-gaza |url-status=live }}</ref> He expressed outrage at the perceived silence of [[Michelle Obama]], who had previously campaigned for the release of the kidnapped [[Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping|Chibok schoolgirls]], over her silence concerning the abduction of Levy and other women.<ref name=":4" />
In a December 2023 interview with the Israeli channel [[I24NEWS (Israeli TV channel)|i24 News]], her father Yoni Levy requested the assistance of international organizations. He stated that while Levy had volunteered for and worked with organizations such as the [[International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement|Red Cross]], the [[United Nations|UN]], and women's organizations, those organizations had not intervened on behalf of Levy and other female hostages.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ben-David |first=Calev |date=2023-12-06 |title=Father of abducted teen, Naama Levy, pleads for international action amidst reports of dire conditions in Gaza |url=https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/society/1701898703-father-of-abducted-teen-naama-levy-pleads-for-international-action-amidst-reports-of-dire-conditions-in-gaza |access-date=2024-03-18 |website=I24news |language=en |archive-date=18 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240318204908/https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/society/1701898703-father-of-abducted-teen-naama-levy-pleads-for-international-action-amidst-reports-of-dire-conditions-in-gaza |url-status=live }}</ref> He expressed outrage at the perceived silence of [[Michelle Obama]], who had previously campaigned for the release of the kidnapped [[Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping|Chibok schoolgirls]], over her silence concerning the abduction of Levy and other women.<ref name=":4" />


On [[International Women's Day]] in 2024, her mother Ayelet Levy Shachar spoke at the [[Israel Hayom]] gala in Tel Aviv. She reminded attendees that her daughter and other female hostages were still being held in Gaza as of March 2024.<ref name="mother speaks" /> Levy Shachar also wrote an op-ed criticizing international organizations and women's groups for not acknowledging or condemning sexual violence committed during the 7 October attacks. Another opinion piece about Levy and her abduction and status as a hostage was written by Levy Shachar and published in February 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Levy |first=Ayelet |date=2024-02-23 |title=I wish I could tell those negotiating the fate of Israeli hostages: my daughter Naama is no bargaining chip |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/feb/23/negotiators-fate-israeli-hostages-daughter-naama-child-captive |access-date=2024-05-18 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
On [[International Women's Day]] in 2024, her mother Ayelet Levy Shachar spoke at the [[Israel Hayom]] gala in Tel Aviv. She reminded attendees that her daughter and other female hostages were still being held in Gaza as of March 2024.<ref name="mother speaks" /> Levy Shachar also wrote an op-ed criticizing international organizations and women's groups for not acknowledging or condemning sexual violence committed during the 7 October attacks. Another opinion piece about Levy and her abduction and status as a hostage was written by Levy Shachar and published in February 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Levy |first=Ayelet |date=2024-02-23 |title=I wish I could tell those negotiating the fate of Israeli hostages: my daughter Naama is no bargaining chip |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/feb/23/negotiators-fate-israeli-hostages-daughter-naama-child-captive |access-date=2024-05-18 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>


[[File:'not closing our eyes' - in Hostages Square 02.jpg|left|thumb|Performance protest in Hostages Square commemorating the 16 IDF observers who were killed and the five (including Levy) who were kidnapped.]]
In March 2024, her brother Amit Levy shared her story during a meeting with the [[All-party parliamentary group|United Kingdom All-Party Parliamentary Group]], led by MPs [[Stephen Crabb]] and [[Margaret Hodge]], organized in partnership with the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. Family members of other hostages also told their stories.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jordan |first=Eliana |date=March 15, 2024 |title=Brother of Naama Levy: 'I can't help feeling that I failed to keep her safe' |url=https://www.thejc.com/news/uk/brother-of-naama-levy-i-cant-help-feeling-that-i-failed-to-keep-her-safe-hohsffts |access-date=2024-03-18 |website=thejc.com |language=en |archive-date=18 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240318203826/https://www.thejc.com/news/uk/brother-of-naama-levy-i-cant-help-feeling-that-i-failed-to-keep-her-safe-hohsffts |url-status=live }}</ref> The hashtag "#METOOUNLESSYOURAJEW" has become associated with Jewish women who are or have been held captive and reported to have endured sexual violence due to the 7 October 2023 attacks.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jerenberg |first=Batya |date=2024-03-25 |title=Female hostage was kept as domestic slave – report |url=https://worldisraelnews.com/female-hostage-was-kept-as-domestic-slave-report/ |access-date=2024-03-26 |website=WIN |language=en-US |archive-date=26 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326105918/https://worldisraelnews.com/female-hostage-was-kept-as-domestic-slave-report/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|access-date=April 8, 2024|website=hartman.org.il|title=Israel's Hostage Agony Is Only Beginning|date=27 November 2023 |url=https://www.hartman.org.il/israels-hostage-agony-is-only-beginning/|archive-date=26 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326105918/https://www.hartman.org.il/israels-hostage-agony-is-only-beginning/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In March 2024, her brother Amit Levy shared her story during a meeting with the [[All-party parliamentary group|United Kingdom All-Party Parliamentary Group]], led by MPs [[Stephen Crabb]] and [[Margaret Hodge]], organized in partnership with the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. Family members of other hostages also told their stories.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jordan |first=Eliana |date=March 15, 2024 |title=Brother of Naama Levy: 'I can't help feeling that I failed to keep her safe' |url=https://www.thejc.com/news/uk/brother-of-naama-levy-i-cant-help-feeling-that-i-failed-to-keep-her-safe-hohsffts |access-date=2024-03-18 |website=thejc.com |language=en |archive-date=18 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240318203826/https://www.thejc.com/news/uk/brother-of-naama-levy-i-cant-help-feeling-that-i-failed-to-keep-her-safe-hohsffts |url-status=live }}</ref> The hashtag "#METOOUNLESSYOURAJEW" has become associated with Jewish women who are or have been held captive and reported to have endured sexual violence due to the 7 October 2023 attacks.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jerenberg |first=Batya |date=2024-03-25 |title=Female hostage was kept as domestic slave – report |url=https://worldisraelnews.com/female-hostage-was-kept-as-domestic-slave-report/ |access-date=2024-03-26 |website=WIN |language=en-US |archive-date=26 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326105918/https://worldisraelnews.com/female-hostage-was-kept-as-domestic-slave-report/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|access-date=April 8, 2024|website=hartman.org.il|title=Israel's Hostage Agony Is Only Beginning|date=27 November 2023 |url=https://www.hartman.org.il/israels-hostage-agony-is-only-beginning/|archive-date=26 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326105918/https://www.hartman.org.il/israels-hostage-agony-is-only-beginning/|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:112754 naama levy - 20th birthday PikiWiki Israel.jpg|thumb|Protest march on Levy's 20th birthday that ended at Hostages Square ]]
It was reported at the end of March 2024 by Levy Shachar that some hostages who were released during the [[2023 Israel–Hamas ceasefire|November 2023 cease fire]] and resulting [[2023 Israeli–Palestinian prisoner exchange|prisoner exchange]] that they had come into contact with Levy and while she had been wounded in the legs, she was walking and talking under her own power. Her comments came before a meeting with [[Benjamin Netanyahu|Netanyahu]] and other family members of the remaining female IDF soldiers still held by Hamas, where she expected to push for negotiations about a potential hostage deal.<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 March 2024 |title=Mother of Gaza hostage Naama Levy says daughter survived 'difficult things' |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/mother-of-gaza-hostage-naama-levy-we-received-a-sign-of-life-a-few-weeks-ago/ |access-date=18 May 2024 |website=The Times of Israel |archive-date=18 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518202615/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/mother-of-gaza-hostage-naama-levy-we-received-a-sign-of-life-a-few-weeks-ago/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
It was reported at the end of March 2024 by Levy Shachar that some hostages who were released during the [[2023 Gaza war ceasefire|November 2023 cease fire]] and resulting [[2023 Israeli–Palestinian prisoner exchange|prisoner exchange]] that they had come into contact with Levy and while she had been wounded in the legs, she was walking and talking under her own power. Her comments came before a meeting with [[Benjamin Netanyahu|Netanyahu]] and other family members of the remaining female IDF soldiers still held by Hamas, where she expected to push for negotiations about a potential hostage deal.<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 March 2024 |title=Mother of Gaza hostage Naama Levy says daughter survived 'difficult things' |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/mother-of-gaza-hostage-naama-levy-we-received-a-sign-of-life-a-few-weeks-ago/ |access-date=18 May 2024 |website=The Times of Israel |archive-date=18 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518202615/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/mother-of-gaza-hostage-naama-levy-we-received-a-sign-of-life-a-few-weeks-ago/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


In April 2024, her aunt and others protested near the Knesset to bring attention to the plight of the remaining hostages including Levy, and stated that the most urgent issue was to bring the hostages home.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 7, 2024 |title=Aunt of hostage Naama Levy: Israelis must scream to bring them home |url=https://www.jns.org/aunt-of-hostage-naama-levy-israelis-must-scream-to-bring-them-home/ |access-date=May 18, 2024 |website=JNS |archive-date=18 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518200711/https://www.jns.org/aunt-of-hostage-naama-levy-israelis-must-scream-to-bring-them-home/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
In April 2024, her aunt and others protested near the Knesset to bring attention to the plight of the remaining hostages including Levy, and stated that the most urgent issue was to bring the hostages home.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 7, 2024 |title=Aunt of hostage Naama Levy: Israelis must scream to bring them home |url=https://www.jns.org/aunt-of-hostage-naama-levy-israelis-must-scream-to-bring-them-home/ |access-date=May 18, 2024 |website=JNS |archive-date=18 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518200711/https://www.jns.org/aunt-of-hostage-naama-levy-israelis-must-scream-to-bring-them-home/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


== Release ==
== Release ==
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[[File:Four female Israeli soldiers being held hostage have been released, January 2025. XV.jpg|thumb|Naama Levy, flanked by her parents, following her release on January 25, 2025.]]
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On 24 January 2025, Hamas announced that Levy would be released on the next day as part of the hostage exchange during the [[2025 Israel–Hamas war ceasefire|ceasefire]]. Levy and three other female IDF soldiers were due to be exchanged for [[Palestinians in Israeli custody|Palestinian prisoners held by Israel]] the next day.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 24, 2025 |title=Hamas names four Israeli female soldier hostages to be freed in second swap |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-gives-names-four-israeli-hostages-be-released-saturday-2025-01-24/ |access-date=January 24, 2025 |website=Reuters}}</ref>
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On 25 January, Levy and fellow IDF observers Liri Albag, Karina Ariev and Daniella Gilboa were handed over by Hamas to the [[Red Cross]] in [[Palestine Square]] in Gaza. Shortly thereafter, they were transferred to the IDF by the Red Cross and reunited with their families in Israel.<ref>[https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/hostages-karina-ariev-daniella-gilboa-naama-levy-and-liri-albag-are-handed-over-to-the-red-cross/ Hostages Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag freed by Hamas and handed over to the Red Cross]</ref><ref>[https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/footage-shows-the-4-released-hostages-handed-over-by-red-cross-to-idf-troops/ Footage of the 4 released hostages being handed over to IDF troops]</ref> Video and photography from the hand over show Levy and the three other observers wearing military uniforms being paraded by Hamas militants, and then brought on stage to be photographed smiling and waving to the crowd.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hjelmgaard |first=Kim |date=January 25, 2025 |title='Wave of relief and joy': Four female Israeli hostages released by Hamas in prisoner swap |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2025/01/25/israeli-hostages-hamas-palestinian-prisoners/77870544007/ |access-date=2025-01-27 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref>
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On 24 January 2025, Hamas announced that Levy and three other female IDF soldiers would be released the next day as part of the hostage exchange during the [[2025 Gaza war ceasefire|ceasefire]]. For each female soldier released by Hamas, Israel agreed to release 50 [[Palestinians in Israeli custody|Palestinian prisoners it held]], of whom 30 were serving [[life sentence]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 24, 2025 |title=Hamas names four Israeli female soldier hostages to be freed in second swap |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-gives-names-four-israeli-hostages-be-released-saturday-2025-01-24/ |access-date=January 24, 2025 |website=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title= Israel-Hamas Hostage Deal: What You Need to Know|url=https://www.ajc.org/news/israel-hamas-hostage-deal-what-you-need-to-know| date= February 1, 2025| publisher=[[American Jewish Committee]] }}</ref>


On 25 January, Levy and fellow IDF observers [[Liri Albag]], Karina Ariev and Daniella Gilboa were handed over by Hamas to the [[Red Cross]] in [[Palestine Square]] in Gaza. The handover occurred after a ceremony in which Hamas dressed the four hostages in military fatigues and brought them on a stage. Shortly after the handover, the former hostages were transferred to the IDF by the Red Cross and reunited with their families in Israel.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fabian |first=Emanuel |title=Hostages Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag freed by Hamas and handed over to the Red Cross |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/hostages-karina-ariev-daniella-gilboa-naama-levy-and-liri-albag-are-handed-over-to-the-red-cross/ |access-date=2025-02-03 |website=www.timesofisrael.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Fabian |first=Emanuel |title=Footage shows the 4 released hostages handed over by Red Cross to IDF troops |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/footage-shows-the-4-released-hostages-handed-over-by-red-cross-to-idf-troops/ |access-date=2025-02-03 |website=www.timesofisrael.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
Following her release, it was reported that Levy and other members of her all-female IDF observer unit had recorded unusual practice raids and drills taking place on the Gaza side of the border fence before the October 7 attacks. Their warnings were ignored by officials within the IDF and Israel.<ref>{{Cite news |last=McKernan |first=Bethan |date=2025-01-25 |title=‘They survived hell’: Israel hails the homecoming of freed female soldiers |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jan/25/they-survived-hell-israel-hails-the-homecoming-of-freed-female-soldiers |access-date=2025-01-27 |work=The Observer |language=en-GB |issn=0029-7712}}</ref>

In a public social media post a few days after her release, Levy offered thanks to IDF soldiers and Israeli civilians stating that during her captivity she was able to see them fighting for her. While she had been reportedly alone for the first 50 days of captivity, she said that she was later held with other IDF observers and they had supported one another during captivity and since release.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yosef |first=Eugenia |date=2025-01-28 |title='I am finally at home': Freed Israeli hostage Naama Levy shares message |url=https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/28/middleeast/israeli-hostages-message-hamas-intl-latam/index.html |access-date=2025-02-03 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-28 |title='I saw how you were fighting for me!' Naama Levy shares first post since release from Gaza |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-839672 |access-date=2025-02-03 |website=The Jerusalem Post {{!}} JPost.com |language=en}}</ref>

Following her release, it was reported that Levy and other members of her all-female IDF observer unit had documented, prior to being taken hostage, unusual practice raids and drills by Hamas taking place on the Gaza side of the border fence. Their warnings were ignored by officials within Israel.<ref>{{Cite news |last=McKernan |first=Bethan |date=2025-01-25 |title='They survived hell': Israel hails the homecoming of freed female soldiers |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jan/25/they-survived-hell-israel-hails-the-homecoming-of-freed-female-soldiers |access-date=2025-01-27 |work=The Observer |language=en-GB |issn=0029-7712}}</ref>

==Post-release activities==
[[File:Donald Trump meets with released Israeli hostages (2025) 01.jpg|thumb|Naama Levy (third from left) and other former hostages meeting with President [[Donald Trump]] in the [[Oval Office]], March 2025.]]
In February 2025, Levy and three fellow freed observers met outgoing IDF chief of staff [[Herzi Halevi]], who apologized to them for not taking the observers' warnings seriously before the 7 October attack, and in April she met the new IDF chief of staff [[Eyal Zamir]], who she presented with a [[Passover]] [[Haggadah]].<ref>[https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-chief-apologizes-to-freed-surveillance-soldiers-for-failing-them-on-and-before-oct-7/ IDF chief apologizes to freed surveillance soldiers for failing them on and before Oct. 7]</ref><ref>[https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/idf-chief-meets-with-former-hostage-cousin-of-current-captives/ IDF chief meets with former hostage, cousin of current captives]</ref>

In early March 2025, Levy was part of a delegation of former hostages who travelled to [[Washington, D.C.|Washington]] to meet U.S. President [[Donald Trump]] to urge him to continue efforts for the release of the remaining hostages.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Magid |first=Jacob |date=5 March 2025 |title=‘We’ll get them out,’ Trump tells group of released hostages meeting him in the Oval Office |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/well-get-them-out-trump-tells-group-of-released-hostages-meeting-him-in-the-oval-office/ |access-date=2025-06-07 |website=The Times of Israel |language=en-US}}</ref>

On 13 May 2025, after reports surfaced that [[Mohammed Sinwar]] [[2025 Gaza European Hospital strikes|may have died in an airstrike]], Levy participated in a 39 second video uploaded to social media in which she, along with fellow observers and former hostages Karina Ariev and Daniella Gilboa, are mouthing the words to an Arabic song being played in the background.<ref>[https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/rjfut7zwxe "ביי ביי מוחמד": הסטורי של התצפיתניות שורדות השבי לאחר ניסיון החיסול, והתיעוד שפרסם צה"ל], Ynet, 13 March 2025</ref>

Since her release, Levy has participated at multiple protests in [[Hostages Square]] in [[Tel Aviv]] to promote a ceasefire agreement to release the rest of the hostages still held by Hamas. At an 28 April protest, Levy and other former hostages pled Trump to do the utmost to free the remaining hostages.<ref>[https://newsroom.ap.org/editorial-photos-videos/detail?itemid=ef06e4721cbb493bafd297044fc2b10b Released Israeli hostages urge Trump to 'use every tool' to secure release of remaining captives]</ref> At a 24 May protest, Levy described her conditions in captivity. She said that at times she had to survive on [[rain water]]. She also told of the fear of [[air strike]]s, which in one instance had caused the building she had been held in to partially collapse.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ganot |first=Gal |last2=Turgeman |first2=Meir |last3=El-Hai |first3=Lior |date=2025-05-24 |title='I had nothing left, not even water; then it started raining—that’s what kept me alive' |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/skangf1mll |access-date=2025-06-07 |work=Ynetnews |language=en}}</ref>

==Retaliation by Israel==
On 30 January 2025, the IDF claimed that Muhammad Abu Aseed, whom they said was the member of Hamas' Shati Battalion who could be seen dragging Levy in the original viral video, had been killed in a [[drone strike]] in September 2024. This news had not been made public until after the release of all the female soldiers.<ref>[https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-reveals-it-killed-hamas-terrorist-seen-dragging-naama-levy-to-captivity-on-oct-7/ IDF reveals it killed Hamas terrorist seen dragging Naama Levy to captivity on Oct. 7]</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 73: Line 147:
* [[Kidnapping of Noa Argamani]]
* [[Kidnapping of Noa Argamani]]
* [[Rescue of Ori Megidish]]
* [[Rescue of Ori Megidish]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}


==References==
==References==
Line 78: Line 155:


==External links==
==External links==
* {{official|https://www.bring-naama-levy-home.org/|Bring Naama Levy Home}}
* {{official website|https://www.bring-naama-levy-home.org/|Bring Naama Levy Home}}


{{Israel–Hamas war}}
{{Gaza war}}


[[Category:Hostage taking in Israel]]
[[Category:Hostage taking in Israel]]
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[[Category:Sexual violence in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict]]
[[Category:Sexual violence in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict]]
[[Category:Violence against women in Israel]]
[[Category:Violence against women in Israel]]
[[Category:War crimes in the Israel–Hamas war]]
[[Category:War crimes in the Gaza war]]

Latest revision as of 08:35, 6 July 2025

Kidnapping of Naama Levy
Part of the
Nahal Oz, Southern District, Israel
Coordinates31°28′21″N 34°29′50″E / 31.47250°N 34.49722°E / 31.47250; 34.49722
DateOctober 7, 2023 (2023-10-07) – January 25, 2025 (2025-01-25)
Attack type
Kidnapping
PerpetratorHamas

Naama Levy (

Hamas-led attack on Israel
.

Later that day, Hamas released footage on social media showing Levy in the

sexual and gender based violence against Israeli women during the attacks
.

On 22 May 2024, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum released footage compiled from Hamas militants' bodycams, showing Levy and other female soldiers being held captive at the surveillance base on the morning of 7 October. The families approved the release of the footage partly to pressure the Israeli government to resume hostage negotiations with Hamas.

On 25 January 2025, Levy and three other female soldiers, who had served and been abducted with her, were released as part of the 2025 Gaza war ceasefire, after spending 477 days in captivity.[5]

Biography

Born in Israel on 22 June 2004, Levy was raised in India where she attended an American school.[6] She has three siblings.[7] Her mother, Ayelet Levy Shachar, is a doctor with the Israeli women's national football team. Levy is a triathlete and an alumna of Hands of Peace, which promotes peace among Israeli and Palestinian youth.[8][9] She also volunteered for organizations including the Red Cross and the UN. At the time of the 7 October attacks, she had just begun her service in the Israel Defense Forces.[10]

Abduction

For broader coverage of this topic, see
October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel and Nahal Oz attack
.

During the 7 October attacks, Levy was acting as an IDF observer

Nahal Oz kibbutz military base,[12] which was attacked by Hamas militants. Levy's last communication with her family was at 6:55 a.m. when she texted her mother confirming she was in a safe room.[13] Further messages sent to Levy 20 to 30 minutes later went unanswered.[7][14]

Footage posted by Hamas later that day (according to

الله أكبر ).[10] Her mother, who did not see the video until at least a day after the attack, stated that she was unsure the disheveled and bloody woman in the video was her daughter. However, Levy's father confirmed the footage was of Naama Levy.[15]

Images from the initial video of Levy's abduction came to symbolize

sexual and gender-based violence in the 7 October attack on Israel. Feminist activists in cities including London and São Paulo dressed in bloodied sweatpants like those worn by Levy in the footage.[16][17]

On 22 May 2024, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum released around three minutes of footage from Hamas militants' bodycams on the morning of 7 October. The video shows the militants taking Levy and other female soldiers hostage at Nahal Oz. Several of the women, including Levy, are seen with bloodied faces.[18] The hostages' families approved the release of the video to show how the women were treated and to pressure the Israeli government to resume hostage negotiations.[19][20][21] In the video, Levy pleads with the militants in English, saying: "I have friends in Palestine."[21] The Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated he was "shocked" by the footage and promised to do everything possible to bring the remaining hostages home.[21]

On 16 July 2024, in a further bid to renew pressure for a hostage deal, Levy's family approved the release of a photo from the early days of her captivity, showing her with a black eye and a swollen face.[22]

Efforts to secure Levy's release

Israelis taking Naama Levy's cause
IDF observers were killed and the five (including Levy) were kidnapped.
Protest march on Levy's 20th birthday that ended at Hostages Square[a]

In a December 2023 interview with the Israeli channel i24 News, her father Yoni Levy requested the assistance of international organizations. He stated that while Levy had volunteered for and worked with organizations such as the Red Cross, the UN, and women's organizations, those organizations had not intervened on behalf of Levy and other female hostages.[23] He expressed outrage at the perceived silence of Michelle Obama, who had previously campaigned for the release of the kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls, over her silence concerning the abduction of Levy and other women.[12]

On International Women's Day in 2024, her mother Ayelet Levy Shachar spoke at the Israel Hayom gala in Tel Aviv. She reminded attendees that her daughter and other female hostages were still being held in Gaza as of March 2024.[8] Levy Shachar also wrote an op-ed criticizing international organizations and women's groups for not acknowledging or condemning sexual violence committed during the 7 October attacks. Another opinion piece about Levy and her abduction and status as a hostage was written by Levy Shachar and published in February 2024.[24]

In March 2024, her brother Amit Levy shared her story during a meeting with the United Kingdom All-Party Parliamentary Group, led by MPs Stephen Crabb and Margaret Hodge, organized in partnership with the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. Family members of other hostages also told their stories.[25] The hashtag "#METOOUNLESSYOURAJEW" has become associated with Jewish women who are or have been held captive and reported to have endured sexual violence due to the 7 October 2023 attacks.[26][27]

It was reported at the end of March 2024 by Levy Shachar that some hostages who were released during the November 2023 cease fire and resulting prisoner exchange that they had come into contact with Levy and while she had been wounded in the legs, she was walking and talking under her own power. Her comments came before a meeting with Netanyahu and other family members of the remaining female IDF soldiers still held by Hamas, where she expected to push for negotiations about a potential hostage deal.[28]

In April 2024, her aunt and others protested near the Knesset to bring attention to the plight of the remaining hostages including Levy, and stated that the most urgent issue was to bring the hostages home.[29]

Release

Naama Levy on the helicopter after being released, thanking the Israeli people
Naama Levy, flanked by her parents, following her release on January 25, 2025.

On 24 January 2025, Hamas announced that Levy and three other female IDF soldiers would be released the next day as part of the hostage exchange during the

life sentences.[30][31]

On 25 January, Levy and fellow IDF observers

Red Cross in Palestine Square in Gaza. The handover occurred after a ceremony in which Hamas dressed the four hostages in military fatigues and brought them on a stage. Shortly after the handover, the former hostages were transferred to the IDF by the Red Cross and reunited with their families in Israel.[32][33]

In a public social media post a few days after her release, Levy offered thanks to IDF soldiers and Israeli civilians stating that during her captivity she was able to see them fighting for her. While she had been reportedly alone for the first 50 days of captivity, she said that she was later held with other IDF observers and they had supported one another during captivity and since release.[34][35]

Following her release, it was reported that Levy and other members of her all-female IDF observer unit had documented, prior to being taken hostage, unusual practice raids and drills by Hamas taking place on the Gaza side of the border fence. Their warnings were ignored by officials within Israel.[36]

Post-release activities

Naama Levy (third from left) and other former hostages meeting with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office, March 2025.

In February 2025, Levy and three fellow freed observers met outgoing IDF chief of staff Herzi Halevi, who apologized to them for not taking the observers' warnings seriously before the 7 October attack, and in April she met the new IDF chief of staff Eyal Zamir, who she presented with a Passover Haggadah.[37][38]

In early March 2025, Levy was part of a delegation of former hostages who travelled to Washington to meet U.S. President Donald Trump to urge him to continue efforts for the release of the remaining hostages.[39]

On 13 May 2025, after reports surfaced that Mohammed Sinwar may have died in an airstrike, Levy participated in a 39 second video uploaded to social media in which she, along with fellow observers and former hostages Karina Ariev and Daniella Gilboa, are mouthing the words to an Arabic song being played in the background.[40]

Since her release, Levy has participated at multiple protests in

air strikes, which in one instance had caused the building she had been held in to partially collapse.[42]

Retaliation by Israel

On 30 January 2025, the IDF claimed that Muhammad Abu Aseed, whom they said was the member of Hamas' Shati Battalion who could be seen dragging Levy in the original viral video, had been killed in a

drone strike in September 2024. This news had not been made public until after the release of all the female soldiers.[43]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ Translation of banner: Top row:Naama, we are waiting for you at home. Bottom row: Also wishing for the return of all the hostages.

References

  1. ^ Izso, Lauren; Tawfeeq, Mohammed (22 June 2024). "Thousands gather in Tel Aviv to mark Naama Levy's 20th birthday while in Hamas captivity in Gaza". CNN. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  2. ^ "Thousands of Israelis rally to mark hostage's birthday". Reuters. 22 June 2024. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  3. ^ Golodryga, Bianna (20 December 2023). "'For her, time is running out': A mother's desperate plea to get her bloodied and battered daughter out of Hamas captivity". CNN. Archived from the original on 13 March 2024. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
  4. ^ "Mother of Gaza hostage Naama Levy says daughter survived 'difficult things'". The Times of Israel. 31 March 2024. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
  5. ^ "Four Israeli hostages released by Hamas during staged handover". www.bbc.com. 25 January 2025. Retrieved 25 January 2025.
  6. ^ "Naama's Story".
  7. ^ a b Gilbody-Dickerson, Claire (31 December 2023). "'Mum, don't watch this': Mother of teen taken by Hamas fears sexual violence". inews.co.uk. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  8. ^ a b "'Don't stop saying her name': Mother of Hamas captive speaks at Israel Hayom event". IsraelHayom. 7 March 2024. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  9. ^ "'I have friends in Palestine': Israeli hostage's plea to her Hamas captors lays bare yearning for peace". NBC News. 26 May 2024. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  10. ^ a b Campbell, Joseph (5 November 2023). "Israeli mother of Gaza hostage: 'I try to keep my thoughts on her'". Reuters. Archived from the original on 26 November 2023. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
  11. ^ Doron, Yaron (17 December 2023). "'No more room on the memorial': A high school copes with growing list of killed graduates". IsraelHayom. Archived from the original on 23 March 2024. Retrieved 23 March 2024.
  12. ^ a b Mann, Niko (26 December 2023). "'I Am Disappointed': Father of Hamas Hostage Slams Michelle Obama for Being Silent About His Daughter's Kidnapping". Atlanta Black Star. Retrieved 23 March 2024.
  13. Times of Israel. 23 November 2023. Archived
    from the original on 24 April 2024. Retrieved 24 April 2024.
  14. ^ Davis, Rebecca. "'Where the hell are you?'". www.australianjewishnews.com. Archived from the original on 23 March 2024. Retrieved 23 March 2024.
  15. ^ Sukheja, Bhavya (9 December 2023). ""Am Helpless...": Mother Of Israeli Hostage Speaks Out, Pleads For Release". NDTV.com. Archived from the original on 4 April 2024. Retrieved 23 March 2024.
  16. ^ "Protesters demand solidarity for raped Israeli women at feminist art event". The Jewish Chronicle. 27 January 2024. Archived from the original on 8 March 2024.
  17. ^ Toueg, Gabriel (7 February 2024). "Bound and 'bloodied' girl shocks Brazilians into comprehending Hamas horrors". The Times of Israel. Archived from the original on 8 March 2024.
  18. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived
    from the original on 23 May 2024. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  19. ISSN 0190-8286. Archived
    from the original on 23 May 2024. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  20. ^ "Video shows Hamas abduction of female IDF spotters on Oct. 7". Israel Today. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  21. ^ a b c Manning, Lucy (23 May 2024). "Israeli hostage's family hopes video is reminder of need for deal". BBC News. Archived from the original on 23 May 2024. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  22. ^ Families release images of 5 female troops from their first days held in Gaza
  23. ^ Ben-David, Calev (6 December 2023). "Father of abducted teen, Naama Levy, pleads for international action amidst reports of dire conditions in Gaza". I24news. Archived from the original on 18 March 2024. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
  24. ISSN 0261-3077
    . Retrieved 18 May 2024.
  25. ^ Jordan, Eliana (15 March 2024). "Brother of Naama Levy: 'I can't help feeling that I failed to keep her safe'". thejc.com. Archived from the original on 18 March 2024. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
  26. ^ Jerenberg, Batya (25 March 2024). "Female hostage was kept as domestic slave – report". WIN. Archived from the original on 26 March 2024. Retrieved 26 March 2024.
  27. ^ "Israel's Hostage Agony Is Only Beginning". hartman.org.il. 27 November 2023. Archived from the original on 26 March 2024. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
  28. ^ "Mother of Gaza hostage Naama Levy says daughter survived 'difficult things'". The Times of Israel. 31 March 2024. Archived from the original on 18 May 2024. Retrieved 18 May 2024.
  29. ^ "Aunt of hostage Naama Levy: Israelis must scream to bring them home". JNS. 7 April 2024. Archived from the original on 18 May 2024. Retrieved 18 May 2024.
  30. ^ "Hamas names four Israeli female soldier hostages to be freed in second swap". Reuters. 24 January 2025. Retrieved 24 January 2025.
  31. ^ "Israel-Hamas Hostage Deal: What You Need to Know". American Jewish Committee. 1 February 2025.
  32. ^ Fabian, Emanuel. "Hostages Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag freed by Hamas and handed over to the Red Cross". www.timesofisrael.com. Retrieved 3 February 2025.
  33. ^ Fabian, Emanuel. "Footage shows the 4 released hostages handed over by Red Cross to IDF troops". www.timesofisrael.com. Retrieved 3 February 2025.
  34. ^ Yosef, Eugenia (28 January 2025). "'I am finally at home': Freed Israeli hostage Naama Levy shares message". CNN. Retrieved 3 February 2025.
  35. ^ "'I saw how you were fighting for me!' Naama Levy shares first post since release from Gaza". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. 28 January 2025. Retrieved 3 February 2025.
  36. ISSN 0029-7712
    . Retrieved 27 January 2025.
  37. ^ IDF chief apologizes to freed surveillance soldiers for failing them on and before Oct. 7
  38. ^ IDF chief meets with former hostage, cousin of current captives
  39. ^ Magid, Jacob (5 March 2025). "'We'll get them out,' Trump tells group of released hostages meeting him in the Oval Office". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  40. ^ "ביי ביי מוחמד": הסטורי של התצפיתניות שורדות השבי לאחר ניסיון החיסול, והתיעוד שפרסם צה"ל, Ynet, 13 March 2025
  41. ^ Released Israeli hostages urge Trump to 'use every tool' to secure release of remaining captives
  42. ^ Ganot, Gal; Turgeman, Meir; El-Hai, Lior (24 May 2025). "'I had nothing left, not even water; then it started raining—that's what kept me alive'". Ynetnews. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  43. ^ IDF reveals it killed Hamas terrorist seen dragging Naama Levy to captivity on Oct. 7
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