In a press meeting on Tuesday, 85-year-old Yocheved Lifshitz, an Israeli captive released from Gaza on Monday evening, said she and other hostages were “treated well” by the Palestinian fighters.
Israeli officials expressed their dissatisfaction with Lifshitz's statement following her release from Hamas captivity in Gaza. They contend that she was "inadequately prepared" for her interview, deeming it a "mistake."
Lifshitz, held captive since October 7th, is one of four captives who have been released. As one of the oldest captives held by Hamas in Gaza, she was released alongside 79-year-old Nurit Yitzhak.
In her press statement, Lifshitz praised her treatment, stating that she and her fellow hostages were "treated well" by the Palestinian fighters. She also criticized the Israeli army's preparedness for the October 7th attack, saying that “two billion” shekels had been spent on security systems that did not work.
Lifshitz recounted her arrival in Gaza on a motorbike, where her captors reassured her, citing their belief in the Quran as their reason for not harming her. She described receiving medical attention by a doctor, provisions for feminine hygiene by female guards, shared "white cheese and cucumber" meals with captors and sleeping on mattresses.
The interview has sparked debate within Israel, with officials viewing it as a misstep, while others argue that Lifshitz's account provides valuable insights into the conditions of captives held by Hamas in Gaza.
