Naama Levy tells diplomats in NY: Use diplomacy to free the Gaza hostages

Former Hamas hostage Naama Levy tells diplomats in New York to use diplomacy and negotiations to free the captives still held in Gaza.

Levy speaks on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly at an event held by the Hostage Aid Worldwide advocacy group. The event is attended by representatives from the United Nations and from countries’ UN missions.

Levy describes her experience of being taken captive and held in Gaza.

“I suffered severe malnutrition, indescribable hunger and many untreated injuries. I was kept in unbearable, unsanitary conditions with the constant fear that each moment could be my last,” she says. “My time being held hostage will remain carved into my body and soul for the rest of my life.”

Levy says the most terrifying moments for her were being moved between locations during combat.

“I was forced to run from house to house with my two captors, terrified and under fire. I could hear the gunshots and bullets whistling past my ears. I ran as fast as I could, struggling to breathe, while my captors reloaded their weapons,” she says.

Levy calls for “diplomacy and negotiations” to free the captives. Data presented by the hostaegs group shows that a plurality of releases worldwide are secured through negotiations.

“Please act to find a solution immediately. Save these innocent lives, for when you do, it is as if you have saved the entire world. Bring them all home now,” she says.