Abducted surveillance soldier Naama Levy released from Hamas captivity

Hands of Peace project alumnus was taken hostage on Oct. 7, 2023, from the Nahal Oz IDF base and release from Gaza on Jan. 25, 2025

Naama Levy was taken hostage by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023. (Courtesy)
Naama Levy was taken hostage by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023. (Courtesy)

On January 25, 2025, Naama Levy, 20, was released from Hamas captivity in Gaza as part of phase one of a mediated ceasefire-hostage release deal. She was handed over to the Red Cross, who delivered her to IDF soldiers who escorted her and three other female soldiers into Israel. Below is what we initially knew of her capture: 

Naama Levy, then 19, was taken captive by Hamas terrorists on October 7 from the IDF surveillance unit at the Nahal Oz army base.

She last texted with her mother, Ayelet Levy, at 6:55 a.m.

“We’re in a secure space,” wrote Levy. “I’ve never heard anything like this in my life,” describing the stream of rockets and gunfire outside.

“She’s just 19,” her mother has said in multiple interviews.

Hours later, a Hamas video appeared on Telegram, showing Levy, her hands tied, her pants bottom covered in blood and smeared with dirt, her feet bare, being pulled by her hair from the back of a black pickup truck and then pushed into the back seat.

Levy is strong, say her family members. She’s a seasoned triathlete, used to the rigors of training and pushing past obstacles, traits that they hope are helping her withstand the trials, cruelties, and possible atrocities of Hamas captivity.

She’s also the great-granddaughter of Holocaust survivors and was a participant in the Hands of Peace project in the US, working toward peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

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