The hostage Noa Argamani, who was rescued after 246 days in Hamas captivity in Gaza during Operation Arnon, testified yesterday (Thursday) in Tokyo before diplomats from G7 countries about her experiences during the long and difficult captivity.
Argamani spoke about the hardships she faced during her time as a hostage: “I had cuts on my head, I was beaten all over my body, and no one came to give me medical help until I was rescued.” She also mentioned the daily fears she endured and explained that the hostages currently held by Hamas are experiencing the same thing, saying, “They fear for their lives every day.”
Argamani described her return as a “miracle” and emphasized the importance of bringing back the 109 remaining hostages in Gaza. “I survived October 7th, I survived the bombings, and I survived the rescue, but it’s a miracle,” she noted.
She also mentioned her partner, Avinatan Or, who is still in captivity, stressing the urgency of bringing him and the other hostages back as soon as possible. “We need to bring them back before it’s too late. We don’t want to lose more people, in addition to those we’ve already lost.”
Argamani was released in June in a complex and heroic operation by the IDF, the Shin Bet, and the Israel Police, which took place in the heart of Nuseirat in central Gaza Strip. During the operation, hostages Almog Meir Jan (21), Shlomi Ziv (40), and Andrey Kozlov (27) were also rescued. YAMAM officer Captain Arnon Zamora was killed during the operation. After her return, Argamani learned that her partner, Avinatan Or, is still being held captive.
