Trigger warning: Some readers may find the details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised

Mia Schem, a 21-year-old French tattoo artist who was among the people abducted by Hamas militants during the Oct 7 attack, has revealed the "only reason" she wasn't raped during her captivity.

Speaking during an interview recently released on Israeli TV, the woman who spent 54 days in captivity said that the only reason she wasn't raped was because her captor's family was right outside the door.

"His wife was outside the room with the children," she said, adding, "That was the only reason he didn’t rape me."

<h2>A harrowing experience</h2>

Talking about her harrowing experience as a captive, Schem said that her tormentor kept her "closed in a dark room, not allowed to talk, not allowed to be seen, to be heard, hidden" for most of her captivity in Gaza.&nbsp;

She claims that she was starved and taunted by the captor's family.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-to-continue-throughout-2024-says-israeli-army-spokesperson-675757">Israel-Hamas war to continue 'throughout' 2024, says Israeli army spokesperson</a>

"There is fear of being raped, there is fear of dying," she said, recounting the ordeal.&nbsp;

"His wife hated the fact that he and I were in the same room. You feel like you want a hug, you know, woman to woman, to break down a bit," she said, adding "But she (the captor's wife) was so mean, she had such mean eyes."

You can watch the full interview here:

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The full 30 minute interview with former Hamas hostage Mia Schem is out with English subtitles. 
 
Just watched the entire thing. 
 
She is a survivor in every sense of the word. A very string woman. 
 
Via <a href="https://twitter.com/YaariCohen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@YaariCohen</a> <a href="https://t.co/UDjVFa3QKl">pic.twitter.com/UDjVFa3QKl</a>
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) <a href="https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/1741858382070399035?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Mia Schem is one of the hostages who were released during a brief ceasefire in November 2023.&nbsp;

Comparing her ordeal to the "holocaust",&nbsp;she said that the reason for her speaking out is that "it was important to me to relay the truth about the nature of the people who live in Gaza, who they are truly are and what I experienced there."

"I went through a holocaust," said Schem. "Everyone over there is a terrorist… there are no innocent civilians, not one."

"They're families controlled by Hamas. They're children who, from the moment they are born, they teach them that Israel is Palestine and just to hate Jews," she added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/war-in-gaza-us-carrier-heads-home-amid-israel-troop-pullback-what-does-it-indicate-675699">Israel likely shifting to lower-intensity operations following troop pullback from Gaza</a>

As per The Times Of Israel, she also said that her captors would taunt her and lie to her about her release, only to dash hopes and tell her "you're like Gilad Schalit, a year, two years, three years." Schalit, an IDF soldier, was captured in 2006 and released five years later&nbsp;in 2011.

Previously, a video of her went viral on social media, where, as she was getting released, Schem said that she was treated "good" in Gaza. However, in another interview later, she said that the statement was made under duress, they "stuck a camera in my face and said 'Say that we treated you nicely, that people in Gaza are nice and good.' What else was I supposed to do?"

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos.

Trigger warning: Some readers may find the details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised Mia Schem, a 21-year-old French tattoo artist who was among the people abducted by Hamas militants during the Oct 7 attack, has revealed the "only reason" she wasn't raped during her captivity.

Trigger warning: Some readers may find the details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised Mia Schem, a 21-year-old French tattoo artist who was among the people abducted by Hamas militants during the Oct 7 attack, has revealed the "only reason" she wasn't raped during her captivity. Speaking during an interview recently released on Israeli TV, the woman who spent 54 days in captivity said that the only reason she wasn't raped was because her captor's family was right outside the door. "His wife was outside the room with the children," she said, adding, "That was the only reason he didn’t rape me." A harrowing experience Talking about her harrowing experience as a captive, Schem said that her tormentor kept her "closed in a dark room, not allowed to talk, not allowed to be seen, to be heard, hidden" for most of her captivity in Gaza. She claims that she was starved and taunted by the captor's family. Also read | Israel-Hamas war to continue 'throughout' 2024, says Israeli army spokesperson "There is fear of being raped, there is fear of dying," she said, recounting the ordeal. "His wife hated the fact that he and I were in the same room. You feel like you want a hug, you know, woman to woman, to break down a bit," she said, adding "But she (the captor's wife) was so mean, she had such mean eyes." You can watch the full interview here: The full 30 minute interview with former Hamas hostage Mia Schem is out with English subtitles. Just watched the entire thing. She is a survivor in every sense of the word. A very string woman. Via @YaariCohen pic.twitter.com/UDjVFa3QKl — Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) January 1, 2024 × Mia Schem is one of the hostages who were released during a brief ceasefire in November 2023. Comparing her ordeal to the "holocaust", she said that the reason for her speaking out is that "it was important to me to relay the truth about the nature of the people who live in Gaza, who they are truly are and what I experienced there." "I went through a holocaust," said Schem. "Everyone over there is a terrorist… there are no innocent civilians, not one." "They're families controlled by Hamas. They're children who, from the moment they are born, they teach them that Israel is Palestine and just to hate Jews," she added. Also read | Israel likely shifting to lower-intensity operations following troop pullback from Gaza As per The Times Of Israel, she also said that her captors would taunt her and lie to her about her release, only to dash hopes and tell her "you're like Gilad Schalit, a year, two years, three years." Schalit, an IDF soldier, was captured in 2006 and released five years later in 2011. Previously, a video of her went viral on social media, where, as she was getting released, Schem said that she was treated "good" in Gaza. However, in another interview later, she said that the statement was made under duress, they "stuck a camera in my face and said 'Say that we treated you nicely, that people in Gaza are nice and good.' What else was I supposed to do?" (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos.

Released Hamas hostage Mia Schem reveals the 'only reason' she wasn't raped

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Unrelenting Israeli bombardment rocked Gaza.This comes in the backdrop of the Israeli Army spokesperson saying the war on Hamas leaders in Gaza would continue well into 2024. In the latest, Israel has started to withdraw some force from Gaza, towards shifting focus to more targeted operations against Hamas. Moreover, the Israeli Defence Forces are partially returning reservists to civilian life. An IDF spokesperson said two reservist brigades would be released this week.

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Adel Mesmah, the commander of the Najaba company of Deir al-Balah, was killed by an Israeli Air Force fighter jet in central Gaza. Mesmah led Hamas terrorists in their October 7, 2023 attack on Kibbutz Be'eri and Kibbutz Nirim, where 135 Israelis were killed.

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The Israel Defense Forces say that it is beginning to release five brigades from combat in the Gaza Strip. This is as the military increasingly gains control on the ground. Earlier Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the war would take many more months to end and now the military has said that it is prepared for the lengthy fighting.

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Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a far-right leader, called for return of Jewish settlers to the Gaza Strip after current war between Israel and Hamas is over. The minister also said on Sunday (December 31, 2023) that Palestinians should be encouraged to emigrate out of Gaza Strip.

"To have security we must control the territory," Smotrich said as quoted by Israel's Army Radio. He was responding to a question which asked him about prospects of re-estabilshing settlements in Gaza.

"In order to control the territory militarily for a long time, we need a civilian presence," he said.

In 2005, Israel unilaterally withdrew its soldiers and settlers. This ended their presence in the enclave since 1967. However, Israel has been maintaining tight control over the territory’s borders.

Watch | Israel-Hamas war: Gaza death toll climbs to over 21800: Hamas health ministry

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Under international law, all settlements on occupied Palestinian land are considered illegal irrespective of state of their approval by Israel.

Smotrich is chief of the far-right Religious Zionism party, which is part of the ruling coalition.

"If we act in a strategically correct way and encourage emigration, if there are 100,000 or 200,000 Arabs in Gaza and not two million, the whole discourse of the day after (the war) will be completely different," he said.

"We will help rehabilitate these refugees in other countries in a good and humane manner with the cooperation of the international community and Arab countries around us."

<h2>Hamas reacts sharply</h2>

Hamas has condemned Smotrich's comments saying it was a "vile mockery and a war crime". In its statement quoted by AFP, Hamas said that Gazans "will stand firm and steadfast in the face of all attempts to displace them from their land and homes".

The plan to make Gazans emigrate has not been officially presented by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It has also has not said officially that Israeli settlers should be sent back to Gaza Strip after the war is over.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-gaza-conflict-looms-large-for-many-months-in-2024-675368">Israel-Hamas war: Gaza conflict set to go on for 'many months' in 2024</a>

Israel has mounted a serious military response since Hamas fighters crossed borders in northern Gaza on October 7 and killed at least 1200 people in Israeli territory and took hostages.

The Israeli response has seen the country carry out hundreds of air attacks inside Gaza Strip as Israeli tanks and troops were deployed for ground operation.

According to Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, more than 21,000 civilians have died so far in the ongoing conflict.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a far-right leader, called for return of Jewish settlers to the Gaza Strip after current war between Israel and Hamas is over.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a far-right leader, called for return of Jewish settlers to the Gaza Strip after current war between Israel and Hamas is over. The minister also said on Sunday (December 31, 2023) that Palestinians should be encouraged to emigrate out of Gaza Strip. "To have security we must control the territory," Smotrich said as quoted by Israel's Army Radio. He was responding to a question which asked him about prospects of re-estabilshing settlements in Gaza. "In order to control the territory militarily for a long time, we need a civilian presence," he said. In 2005, Israel unilaterally withdrew its soldiers and settlers. This ended their presence in the enclave since 1967. However, Israel has been maintaining tight control over the territory’s borders. Watch | Israel-Hamas war: Gaza death toll climbs to over 21800: Hamas health ministry × Under international law, all settlements on occupied Palestinian land are considered illegal irrespective of state of their approval by Israel. Smotrich is chief of the far-right Religious Zionism party, which is part of the ruling coalition. "If we act in a strategically correct way and encourage emigration, if there are 100,000 or 200,000 Arabs in Gaza and not two million, the whole discourse of the day after (the war) will be completely different," he said. "We will help rehabilitate these refugees in other countries in a good and humane manner with the cooperation of the international community and Arab countries around us." Hamas reacts sharply Hamas has condemned Smotrich's comments saying it was a "vile mockery and a war crime". In its statement quoted by AFP, Hamas said that Gazans "will stand firm and steadfast in the face of all attempts to displace them from their land and homes". The plan to make Gazans emigrate has not been officially presented by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It has also has not said officially that Israeli settlers should be sent back to Gaza Strip after the war is over. Also Read | Israel-Hamas war: Gaza conflict set to go on for 'many months' in 2024 Israel has mounted a serious military response since Hamas fighters crossed borders in northern Gaza on October 7 and killed at least 1200 people in Israeli territory and took hostages. The Israeli response has seen the country carry out hundreds of air attacks inside Gaza Strip as Israeli tanks and troops were deployed for ground operation. According to Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, more than 21,000 civilians have died so far in the ongoing conflict. (With inputs from agencies)

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Israel-Hamas war: 48 Palestinians killed in overnight bombing in Gaza city

As the world is set to ring in 2024, countries are ramping up security measures in order to ensure safe celebrations amid heightened terror threats linked to the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

France will deploy close to 90,000 police officers across the country, with 6,000 of them in Paris alone, for the weekend's New Year's celebrations due to the 'very high' terrorist threat.

"I have called for an extremely high turnout of police and security forces given the context of the very high terrorist threat due to, clearly, what is happening in Israel and in Palestine," Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said&nbsp;on Friday (Dec 29).

He further added that for the very first time, the police officers would be permitted to make use of the drones as a part of the security efforts and that tens of thousands of firefighters would also be deployed along with 5,000 soldiers.

<h2>Germany: Authorities bar sightseeing visits to Cologne's iconic cathedral</h2>

German authorities banned sightseeing visits to Cologne's iconic cathedral during Christmas celebrations last and worshippers had to undergo security checks amid growing fears of attack.

Police said that they were taking stern measures to safeguard the iconic cathedral during New Year's celebrations.

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The precautionary security efforts are being made to prevent any possible attacks said officer in charge Martin Lotz.

"Even if the reference was to New Year's Eve, there are a lot of people in the area around the cathedral, today is Christmas Eve midnight Mass, it is one of the most visited cathedrals, and the main train station is nearby," said police spokesperson Wolfgang Baldes, as per Associated Press report.

“There are a lot of people, and that's why we said that if there was an indication, we would do everything necessary to protect people.”

Meanwhile, in Austria, the security was heightened around&nbsp;churches and Christmas markets in&nbsp;Vienna.

<h2>Authorities tighten security around Times Square, US</h2>

The FBI is setting up efforts to secure Times Square for visitors who are expected to attend the New Year's Eve celebrations.&nbsp;

Police officials will set up a perimeter from Sixth Avenue to Eighth and from 41st Street to 57th, as per CBS reports.

The New York City Police Department is also preparing for demonstrations near the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting in November.

"There's a protest every day in New York City, so there's certainly going to be a protest on New Year's Eve," said NYPD Intelligence Division Commanding Officer John Hart.

"Those who want to peacefully protest, have the right to do so. But you're not going to do it at the expense of disrupting those who are coming here to peacefully bring in the new year," Mayor Eric Adams said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

As the world is set to ring in 2024, countries are ramping up security measures in order to ensure safe celebrations amid heightened terror threats linked to the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

As the world is set to ring in 2024, countries are ramping up security measures in order to ensure safe celebrations amid heightened terror threats linked to the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. France will deploy close to 90,000 police officers across the country, with 6,000 of them in Paris alone, for the weekend's New Year's celebrations due to the 'very high' terrorist threat. "I have called for an extremely high turnout of police and security forces given the context of the very high terrorist threat due to, clearly, what is happening in Israel and in Palestine," Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said on Friday (Dec 29). He further added that for the very first time, the police officers would be permitted to make use of the drones as a part of the security efforts and that tens of thousands of firefighters would also be deployed along with 5,000 soldiers. Germany: Authorities bar sightseeing visits to Cologne's iconic cathedral German authorities banned sightseeing visits to Cologne's iconic cathedral during Christmas celebrations last and worshippers had to undergo security checks amid growing fears of attack. Police said that they were taking stern measures to safeguard the iconic cathedral during New Year's celebrations. Also read: Ukrainian strike kills at least 14 in city of Belgorod, says Russia The precautionary security efforts are being made to prevent any possible attacks said officer in charge Martin Lotz. "Even if the reference was to New Year's Eve, there are a lot of people in the area around the cathedral, today is Christmas Eve midnight Mass, it is one of the most visited cathedrals, and the main train station is nearby," said police spokesperson Wolfgang Baldes, as per Associated Press report. “There are a lot of people, and that's why we said that if there was an indication, we would do everything necessary to protect people.” Meanwhile, in Austria, the security was heightened around churches and Christmas markets in Vienna. Authorities tighten security around Times Square, US The FBI is setting up efforts to secure Times Square for visitors who are expected to attend the New Year's Eve celebrations. Police officials will set up a perimeter from Sixth Avenue to Eighth and from 41st Street to 57th, as per CBS reports. The New York City Police Department is also preparing for demonstrations near the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting in November. "There's a protest every day in New York City, so there's certainly going to be a protest on New Year's Eve," said NYPD Intelligence Division Commanding Officer John Hart. "Those who want to peacefully protest, have the right to do so. But you're not going to do it at the expense of disrupting those who are coming here to peacefully bring in the new year," Mayor Eric Adams said. (With inputs from agencies)

Global terror alert: Cities ramp up security measures for New Year celebrations amid 'high risk' of attacks

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that the Border zone between the Gaza Strip and Egypt should be under Israel's control this as he predicted the war in the Palestinian territory to last for many months.

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As Israel continuously bombs the Gaza strip, the Hamas-run Palestinian Health Ministry has expressed fears of famine for more than 1.9 million displaced Gazans. The United Nations has earlier said that the quantity of aid entering Gaza is only 10% of what is required.

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Israel has indicated no signs of scaling down its offensive in Gaza. Israeli leaders have once again reiterated that fighting will end only with the elimination of Hamas. Hamas says at least 187 died across Gaza on Friday in Israeli shelling.

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Amid the horrors of war in Gaza, a woman pregnant with quadruplets had to walk five kilometres in search of shelter for her unborn babies. The Gazan woman, 28-year-old Iman al-Masry, has now given birth to her premature children, one of whom was too weak to leave the hospital.

<h2>Simply exhausted</h2>

Talking to news agency AFP, the mother said she is simply exhausted after giving birth to the quadruplets in a hospital in Southern Gaza.&nbsp;

Al-Masry, at six months pregnant, had to flee her family home in Beit Hanun on foot, along with her three other children, seeking safety.&nbsp;

The family had to walk five kilometres (around three miles) to the Jabalia refugee camp. "The distance was too long,"&nbsp;the young woman told AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-several-killed-in-strike-near-south-gaza-hospital-un-asks-israel-to-end-unlawful-killings-674387">Israel-Hamas war: Several killed in strike near south Gaza hospital; UN asks Israel to ‘end unlawful killings’</a>

"It affected my pregnancy," she added. On December 18, she gave birth by C-section to daughters Tia and Lynn and sons Yasser and Mohammed.&nbsp;

Of the four, Mohammed was too fragile to leave the hospital. However, to make space for other patients of war, Iman and her other newborns had to leave the medical facility.&nbsp;

"Mohammed weighs only one kilogram (2.2 pounds). He cannot survive," said Iman, talking about the child she had to leave behind at a hospital in the Nuseirat refugee camp.

The mother and her other three newborns are now living in a cramped schoolroom turned shelter in Deir al-Balah along with around 50 other members of their extended family.

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Talking to AFP, she recounted her journey from "hell",&nbsp;and said: "When I left home, I had only some summer clothes for the children. I thought the war would last a week or two and that afterwards we would go back home."

Now, more than 11 weeks later, her hope of going&nbsp;home has shattered.

<h2>The human cost of war</h2>

Iman is not alone. Thousands of Gazans have been rendered homeless by the war that began on Oct 7, with Hamas launching an attack on Israel. In the first attack, as per Israeli figures, 1,140 Israelis lost their lives. Another 250 were taken hostage by the Hamas militants, and 129 of them still remain in captivity.

The retaliatory attack by Israel, according to the latest toll issued by Gaza's health ministry, has killed at least 21,110 people — about two-thirds of them women and children.

Amid the horrors of war in Gaza, a woman pregnant with quadruplets had to walk five kilometres in search of shelter for her unborn babies. The Gazan woman, 28-year-old Iman al-Masry, has now given birth to her premature children, one of whom was too weak to leave the hospital.

Amid the horrors of war in Gaza, a woman pregnant with quadruplets had to walk five kilometres in search of shelter for her unborn babies. The Gazan woman, 28-year-old Iman al-Masry, has now given birth to her premature children, one of whom was too weak to leave the hospital. Simply exhausted Talking to news agency AFP, the mother said she is simply exhausted after giving birth to the quadruplets in a hospital in Southern Gaza. Al-Masry, at six months pregnant, had to flee her family home in Beit Hanun on foot, along with her three other children, seeking safety. The family had to walk five kilometres (around three miles) to the Jabalia refugee camp. "The distance was too long," the young woman told AFP. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: Several killed in strike near south Gaza hospital; UN asks Israel to ‘end unlawful killings’ "It affected my pregnancy," she added. On December 18, she gave birth by C-section to daughters Tia and Lynn and sons Yasser and Mohammed. Of the four, Mohammed was too fragile to leave the hospital. However, to make space for other patients of war, Iman and her other newborns had to leave the medical facility. "Mohammed weighs only one kilogram (2.2 pounds). He cannot survive," said Iman, talking about the child she had to leave behind at a hospital in the Nuseirat refugee camp. The mother and her other three newborns are now living in a cramped schoolroom turned shelter in Deir al-Balah along with around 50 other members of their extended family. Also read | Son of Hamas Deputy Commander Marwan Issa killed in Israeli airstrike: Reports Talking to AFP, she recounted her journey from "hell", and said: "When I left home, I had only some summer clothes for the children. I thought the war would last a week or two and that afterwards we would go back home." Now, more than 11 weeks later, her hope of going home has shattered. The human cost of war Iman is not alone. Thousands of Gazans have been rendered homeless by the war that began on Oct 7, with Hamas launching an attack on Israel. In the first attack, as per Israeli figures, 1,140 Israelis lost their lives. Another 250 were taken hostage by the Hamas militants, and 129 of them still remain in captivity. The retaliatory attack by Israel, according to the latest toll issued by Gaza's health ministry, has killed at least 21,110 people — about two-thirds of them women and children.

Heavily pregnant Gaza woman forced to walk 5km seeking shelter, gives birth to quadruplets

Israeli shelling near a southern Gaza hospital has killed 41 people over the past 2 days. According to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, the casualties include displaced persons, people who were seeking shelter in the premises of the Al Amal Hospital in Khan Younis.

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli official 'regrets' refugee camp attack

The Israel-Gaza war will soon enter its fourth month. Over 22,000 people have been killed in the conflict till now. Israel has vowed to intensify its war on Hamas despite international calls to tone down its assault. Rahesha Sehgal gets you this report

Israel-Hamas war: Israel vows to intensify Gaza operations

Fighting the enemy at seven fronts, another battle is emerging for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. There is rising public dissent and friction with the defence minister. How will this impact Israel's war and strategy?. Rahesha Sehgal gets you this report

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