Official statements from the Israeli government or credible news sources

19-Year-Old Naama Levy Held in Gaza for Nine Months, Netanyahu Criticized for Comments and Delaying Deal

Jul 17, 2024, 11:44 AM

Israeli teenager Naama Levy, who was kidnapped on October 7, 2023, has been held hostage in Gaza for over nine months. Recent intelligence indicates that the 19 year old is alive and being held in a tunnel. Newly released photos show Levy with severe bruising and injuries, raising concerns about her treatment. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has come under criticism for allegedly delaying a potential hostage deal due to pressure from Itamar Ben-Gvir, despite Hamas agreeing to Israel's demand of no end to the war before Phase 1 of the deal. Netanyahu's reported comments that 'the hostages are suffering, but they are not dying' have caused outrage among the families of the hostages. Relatives of the abducted individuals are demanding urgent action, with some emphasizing that the deal needs to happen immediately. Shiri Albag, mother of hostage Liri Albag, confirmed that female soldiers, including her daughter, are alive and held in tunnels.