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UNITED NATIONS – Noa Argamani, a former hostage of Hamas, recently addressed the U.N. Security Council, sharing her harrowing experiences during her captivity and urgently calling for the release of all hostages enduring unimaginable suffering.
Argamani described her presence at the council as a miracle, yet stressed the pressing need for immediate action. “Being here today is a miracle, but I’m here to tell you we have no time,” she asserted, detailing the horrors she witnessed, the lack of medical care, and the dire conditions in which the hostages were held.
A video capturing Argamani’s abduction from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023, became widely circulated as it depicted her being forcibly taken by Hamas militants and driven into Gaza.
Argamani poignantly stated, “I believe that you all, the international community, must understand that the hostages are in hell.” Her testimony brought to light the emotional and physical toll experienced by individuals still in captivity.
Having spent eight months as a hostage before her rescue by Israeli soldiers, Argamani conveyed a message of despair shared by the hostages: a feeling of abandonment by the global community.
ISRAELI AMBASSADOR REACTS TO ARGAMANI’S TESTIMONY
Israeli U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon commended Argamani for her bravery and resilience, emphasizing her role not merely as a victim, but as a survivor. He remarked, “Noa Argamani is not just a witness or a victim of Hamas’ cruelty, she is a survivor.” This acknowledgment underscored the importance of her story amidst ongoing discussions about the broader geopolitical crisis.
Despite the emotional weight of Argamani’s narrative, much of the U.N. Security Council meeting shifted focus to Israel’s military activities in Gaza. Several representatives offered brief acknowledgments of her testimony, but discussions quickly evolved into criticisms of Israel’s actions.
Danon expressed concern over the council’s previous inaction, stating, “Unfortunately, we don’t have high expectations of the council. The very fact that since October 7, they were not able to pass a resolution about the hostages, about the atrocities of October 7, it speaks for itself.”
Nevertheless, he expressed gratitude to the United States, the United Kingdom, Greece, and France for their advocacy regarding the hostages and to highlight the brutal murder of the Bibas family.
PERSONAL PLEA FOR RELEASE
During her powerful briefing, Argamani made a poignant plea for the release of her partner, Avinatan Or, who was also captured at the Nova music festival and remains in captivity. “Until Avinatan returns, my heart is in captivity,” she declared, a statement that resonated deeply within the chamber.
The plight of Argamani and others held by Hamas remains a critical humanitarian issue. As of January, an agreement between Israel and Hamas allowed for a ceasefire and initiated a Phase One prisoner exchange, where 2,000 Palestinian prisoners would be swapped for the remaining hostages. However, Israel recently delayed the release of Palestinian prisoners, protesting against Hamas’ treatment of the hostages, which included coercing them into attending ceremonies.
The situation continues to evolve, with international pressure mounting for a resolution that prioritizes the safety and human rights of the hostages involved. As discussions progress at the U.N. and beyond, the echoes of Argamani’s testimony serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action in the face of ongoing tragedy.
