Despite a weekslong bombing effort by the Israeli military, which has left thousands dead, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, Ms. Lifshitz described a seemingly well-organized operation, with operatives given special responsibilities, including doctors, guards and medics.
At a certain point a doctor also arrived and made sure that we received our pills and medication,” she said.
Ms. Lifshitz said her captors paid special attention to health of the hostages, providing medication, shampoo and feminine hygiene products.
The hostages were fed the same meager provisions their guards ate: a single daily meal of pita bread, two kinds of cheese and cucumber.
In 2011, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners — including Hamas’s current leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar — in exchange for a single Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit.
Persons:
Lifshitz, Nir Oz, Lifschitz, “, ”, Daniel Lifshitz, Benjamin Netanyahu, Yahya Sinwar, Gilad Shalit, Cooper, Judith Raanan, Natalie
Organizations:
Gaza Health Ministry, International Committee, Hamas
Locations:
pita, Israel, Gaza