Title: Hamas Releases Video of Alleged Hostage, Claims to Have 200-250 Captives
Subtitle: Young Woman Identified as Mia Shem Pleads for Her Release
Date: October 17, 2023
Hamas, the terrorist organization, has released a video on Monday, November 16, showing an alleged injured hostage. The group claims to have between 200 and 250 captives, referring to them as “their guests.”
The circulated footage on various social media platforms shows a young woman who is awake and lying down while receiving treatment for her injured arm. The accompanying text states that she was kidnapped “on the first day” of Hamas’ attack on Israeli territory, which occurred on October 7.
Several media outlets have identified the girl as Mia Shem, a 21-year-old resident of Shoham with Israeli-French nationality.
In the video, Mia Shem speaks in Hebrew, saying, ”I am a prisoner in Gaza, and they treated me and performed a three-hour surgery. Everything is fine, and I only ask to be returned home as soon as possible, to be reunited with my family. Please get us out of here as soon as possible.”
Abu Obeida, the military spokesperson for Hamas, confirmed that there are currently between 200 and 250 hostages in Gaza. However, he did not provide an exact number, citing “practical and security difficulties.”
Out of the total captives, approximately 200 are held by Hamas, while the remaining 50 are in the hands of other ”resistance factions and elsewhere,” Obeida stated.
Regarding the foreigners captured during the incursion, Obeida referred to them as “our guests” and promised to protect and release them when conditions on the ground permit. Among the hostages are Americans, French, Argentinians, and according to relatives, at least two Mexicans, a woman, and a man, may also be in the custody of the Islamist group.
The situation remains tense as efforts are underway to secure the release of the hostages and de-escalate the conflict between Hamas and Israeli forces. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, urging for a peaceful resolution and the safe return of all captives.
How can the PAA ensure the safe release of Mia Shem and the other captives, given their specific target of having between 200 and 250 individuals in their custody?
To have between 200 and 250 captives, including the young woman identified as Mia Shem who pleads for her release in the video.
This is a horrifying act of terrorism. My thoughts are with the hostages and their families.
I hope the international community takes swift action to secure the release of all the hostages and hold those responsible accountable for their crimes.