According to reports, an Israeli drone strike hit Beirut's southern suburb. The explosion shook Beirut's southern suburb of Musharafieh. UN urges 'maximum restraint' as Beirut blast kills Hamas leader.

Israel-Hamas War: At least 7 people killed in suspected Israeli strike in Beirut

Has Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu crumbled under pressure and agreed to a temporary ceasefire? Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has described the hostage deal to be a 'disaster', and has slammed the Netanyahu government for taking an amoral decision.

Israel Minister Ben Gvir says solution to Israel-Hamas conflict is Palestinian migration

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<p><em><strong>Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised.</strong></em></p>

<p>An Islamic Jihad militant who was captured in the Gaza Strip had admitted that his squad committed rape and murdered victims during Hamas' October 7 terror attack, claimed a report by The Jerusalem Post on Friday (Dec 29) citing KAN, an Israeli state-owned publication. Since the war between Israel and Hamas started, there have been allegations that Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups used rape as a weapon of war.</p>

<p>Some of the captured militants, who were investigated, said they received permission to abuse corpses to create fear in Israeli societies, the report further claimed.</p>

<p>Israel's top national police unit Lahav 433 collected evidence of dozens of cases of sexual offences and sexual abuse from the investigations and survivor testimonies.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-live-smoke-rises-into-gaza-morning-sky-as-israeli-offensive-continues-674567">Click here to follow all updates on the Israel-Hamas war</a></strong></p>

<p>A survivor of the Oct 7 attack testified to the police about a rape she saw. Her testimony was verified by another survivor, the report claimed.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'A pattern of extreme brutality against women'</strong></h2>

<p>The above revelations come as a report by The New York Times (NYT) said that attacks against women were not isolated events but part of a broader pattern of gender-based violence on Oct 7.</p>

<p>The NYT relied on videos, photographs, interviews with over 150 people including witnesses, medical personnel, soldiers and rape counsellors.</p>

<p>The publication identified at least seven locations where Israeli females appeared to have been sexually abused or mutilated.</p>

<p>Speaking to The NYT, four witnesses described in graphic detail seeing women raped and murdered at two different places along Route 232. In this same place, Gal Abdush, an Israeli woman, was found dead.</p>

<p>Abdush was found lying on her back, clothes torn, legs spread and vagina exposed, the report said. Her face was beyond recognition. The Israeli police said they believed that the woman was raped.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-soldiers-mistook-cries-of-hostages-for-help-as-ambush-report-674590">Israeli soldiers mistook hostages' cries for help as 'ambush': Probe report</a></strong></p>

<p>Since the conflict started, Hamas has denied the accusations of rape and sexual violence.</p>

<p>The report further said that the Lahav 433 police unit had been steadily gathering evidence but did not provide a number of how many women were raped, saying that most were dead.</p>

<p>The Israeli police, meanwhile, said that during the shock and confusion of the Oct 7 attack, they did not focus on collecting semen samples from women's bodies, requesting autopsies, or closely examining crime scenes.</p>

<p>Authorities told the publication that at that moment, the police were intent on repelling Hamas militants and identifying the dead.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong><em>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.</em></strong></p>


Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised. An Islamic Jihad militant who was captured in the Gaza Strip had admitted that his squad committed rape and murdered victims during Hamas' October 7 terror attack, claimed a report by The Jerusalem Post on Friday (Dec 29) citing KAN, an Israeli state-owned publication.

Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised. An Islamic Jihad militant who was captured in the Gaza Strip had admitted that his squad committed rape and murdered victims during Hamas' October 7 terror attack, claimed a report by The Jerusalem Post on Friday (Dec 29) citing KAN, an Israeli state-owned publication. Since the war between Israel and Hamas started, there have been allegations that Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups used rape as a weapon of war. Some of the captured militants, who were investigated, said they received permission to abuse corpses to create fear in Israeli societies, the report further claimed. Israel's top national police unit Lahav 433 collected evidence of dozens of cases of sexual offences and sexual abuse from the investigations and survivor testimonies. Click here to follow all updates on the Israel-Hamas war A survivor of the Oct 7 attack testified to the police about a rape she saw. Her testimony was verified by another survivor, the report claimed. 'A pattern of extreme brutality against women' The above revelations come as a report by The New York Times (NYT) said that attacks against women were not isolated events but part of a broader pattern of gender-based violence on Oct 7. The NYT relied on videos, photographs, interviews with over 150 people including witnesses, medical personnel, soldiers and rape counsellors. The publication identified at least seven locations where Israeli females appeared to have been sexually abused or mutilated. Speaking to The NYT, four witnesses described in graphic detail seeing women raped and murdered at two different places along Route 232. In this same place, Gal Abdush, an Israeli woman, was found dead. Abdush was found lying on her back, clothes torn, legs spread and vagina exposed, the report said. Her face was beyond recognition. The Israeli police said they believed that the woman was raped. Also read: Israeli soldiers mistook hostages' cries for help as 'ambush': Probe report Since the conflict started, Hamas has denied the accusations of rape and sexual violence. The report further said that the Lahav 433 police unit had been steadily gathering evidence but did not provide a number of how many women were raped, saying that most were dead. The Israeli police, meanwhile, said that during the shock and confusion of the Oct 7 attack, they did not focus on collecting semen samples from women's bodies, requesting autopsies, or closely examining crime scenes. Authorities told the publication that at that moment, the police were intent on repelling Hamas militants and identifying the dead. (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.

Israel war: Captured Islamic Jihad militant admitted committing rape, murder on Oct 7, claims report

After lowering interest rates for the first time since the peak of the pandemic in 2020, the Israeli Central Bank issued a warning. The Central Bank said the government's fiscal response to the hamas war runs the danger of increasing national debt...And may obstruct further monetary easing.

Israel's Central Bank warns on fiscal response to Hamas war | World Business Watch

In a major blow to Netanyahu's unity govt, Israel's top court has struck down the contentious judicial reform. What does the mean for Israel's fragile coalition? Priyanka Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Israel's top court strikes down judicial reform

Israeli lawmakers call to resettle Gaza's Palestinians & build settlements. Migration of Palestinians solution to conflict, said National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. Watch the video to know more!

Israel-Palestine war: Israeli ministers call to 'resettle' Gaza's Palestinians

<p>Freed Israeli hostage Mia Schem, who was held captive by Hamas fighters in war-torn Gaza for 54 days, recently revealed shocking details about her ordeal with a local media outlet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sharing her harrowing experience with Israel Channel 13, she said that she "went through a Holocaust".</p>

<p>"It is important for me to reflect the real situation with regard to people living in Gaza, who they really are and what I went through over there," the 21-year-old Israeli-French tattoo artist said. "I went through a Holocaust, everyone there is a terrorist," said Schem, who was released on Nov 30 during a ceasefire.</p>

<p>Schem&nbsp;told the Israeli broadcaster how she was kidnapped from the music festival near Reim on Oct 7 during the Hamas attack and held captive at a family house in Gaza which was under the Palestinian militant group's control.</p>

<p>"It's families under Hamas (control). You know, in retrospect, I suddenly realised that I was with a family. Suddenly I start asking myself questions, why am I at a family's house? Why are there children here? Why is there a woman here?" she said.</p>

<p>Further describing her ordeal, Schem said she was constantly scared of being raped or killed.</p>

<p>"(I was) closed in a dark room, not allowed to talk, not allowed to be seen, to be heard, hidden. There is a terrorist looking at you 24/7, looking, raping you with his eyes." She said. "There is a fear of being raped, there is a fear of dying.. I was frightened."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-dance-again-freed-hamas-hostage-mia-schem-strikes-defiance-with-new-tattoo-668602">'We will dance again': Freed Hamas hostage Mia Schem strikes defiance with new tattoo</a></p>

<p>"I didn't sleep for the entire 54 days, maybe an hour, at night. How can you sleep when a terrorist is looking at you?" she added.</p>

<p>The 21-year-old was seized at the Nova dance party along with many of the other hostages taken captive into Gaza.</p>

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<h2><strong>Schem was operated on by vet</strong></h2>

<p>She made international headlines after a chilling video released by Hamas showed her receiving treatment from a veterinarian on her right arm.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“At the moment, I am in Gaza,” Schem could be heard saying in Hebrew in the 60-second clip.</p>

<p>She said she was injured and taken across the border, where she underwent a three-hour surgery to treat her undisclosed injuries.</p>

<p>“They are taking care of me, giving me medicine, everything is fine. I only ask that they bring me home as soon as possible to my parents, to my siblings. Get me out of here as soon as possible. Please.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong><em>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.</em></strong></p>


Freed Israeli hostage Mia Schem, who was held captive by Hamas fighters in war-torn Gaza for 54 days, recently revealed shocking details about her ordeal with a local media outlet.

Freed Israeli hostage Mia Schem, who was held captive by Hamas fighters in war-torn Gaza for 54 days, recently revealed shocking details about her ordeal with a local media outlet. Sharing her harrowing experience with Israel Channel 13, she said that she "went through a Holocaust". "It is important for me to reflect the real situation with regard to people living in Gaza, who they really are and what I went through over there," the 21-year-old Israeli-French tattoo artist said. "I went through a Holocaust, everyone there is a terrorist," said Schem, who was released on Nov 30 during a ceasefire. Schem told the Israeli broadcaster how she was kidnapped from the music festival near Reim on Oct 7 during the Hamas attack and held captive at a family house in Gaza which was under the Palestinian militant group's control. "It's families under Hamas (control). You know, in retrospect, I suddenly realised that I was with a family. Suddenly I start asking myself questions, why am I at a family's house? Why are there children here? Why is there a woman here?" she said. Further describing her ordeal, Schem said she was constantly scared of being raped or killed. "(I was) closed in a dark room, not allowed to talk, not allowed to be seen, to be heard, hidden. There is a terrorist looking at you 24/7, looking, raping you with his eyes." She said. "There is a fear of being raped, there is a fear of dying.. I was frightened." Also read: 'We will dance again': Freed Hamas hostage Mia Schem strikes defiance with new tattoo "I didn't sleep for the entire 54 days, maybe an hour, at night. How can you sleep when a terrorist is looking at you?" she added. The 21-year-old was seized at the Nova dance party along with many of the other hostages taken captive into Gaza. View this post on Instagram A post shared by מייה שם (@mia_schem) × Schem was operated on by vet She made international headlines after a chilling video released by Hamas showed her receiving treatment from a veterinarian on her right arm. “At the moment, I am in Gaza,” Schem could be heard saying in Hebrew in the 60-second clip. She said she was injured and taken across the border, where she underwent a three-hour surgery to treat her undisclosed injuries. “They are taking care of me, giving me medicine, everything is fine. I only ask that they bring me home as soon as possible to my parents, to my siblings. Get me out of here as soon as possible. Please.” (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.

Freed Israeli hostage Mia Schem reveals details about 54-day Hamas captivity, says 'went through holocaust'

Trouble continues to mount for Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu - in the latest setback back home - Israel's Supreme Court has struck down a controversial law passed by the Netanyahu administration.

Israel: Supreme Court strikesdown key provision of judicial overhaul

<p>Pakistan's&nbsp;caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar imposed a ban on New Year celebrations in the country in a bid to express solidarity with the people of Gaza amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.</p>

<p>Kakar called on the people of his country to show solidarity with the Palestinians and display solemnity and humility on New Year.</p>

<p>"Keeping in mind the seriously concerning situation in Palestine and to show solidarity with our Palestinian brothers and sisters, there will be a strict ban by the government on holding any kind of event for New Year," he said in a brief address.</p>

<p>He further&nbsp;said that Israeli forces "crossed all limits of violence and injustice", claiming the lives of over 21,000 Palestinians and killing nearly 9,000 children in its counter-offensive.</p>

<p>"The whole Pakistani nation and the Muslim world are in a sheer state of anguish over the massacre of innocent children and genocide of unarmed Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that his country had sent two aid packages to Palestine with the third one being prepared.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also said that Pakistan was in talks with Jordan and Egypt to ensure timely aid to Palestinians and evacuation of those wounded in Gaza.</p>

<p>Kakar said Pakistan was making all&nbsp;necessary efforts to highlight the plight of the Palestinians on various global forums and would continue to do so in future.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/freed-israeli-hostage-mia-schem-reveals-details-about-54-day-hamas-captivity-says-went-through-holocaust-674751">Freed Israeli hostage Mia Schem reveals details about 54-day Hamas captivity, says 'went through holocaust'</a></p>

<h2><strong>UN asks Israel to ‘end unlawful killings’</strong></h2>

<p>Shelling by Israel near a hospital in Khan Younis late on December 27 claimed the lives of 20 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The United Nations flagged the human rights situation in the West Bank and urged Israel to "end unlawful killings" of the Palestinian population in the West Bank.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A report released on Thursday (Dec 28) by the UN&nbsp;demanded an immediate end to the use of military weapons during law enforcement operations as well as an end to arbitrary detention and ill-treatment of Palestinians, and the lifting of discriminatory movement restrictions.</p>

<p>"The use of military tactics and weapons in law enforcement contexts, the use of unnecessary or disproportionate force, and the enforcement of broad, arbitrary and discriminatory movement restrictions that affect Palestinians are extremely troubling," UN rights chief Volker Turk said in a statement.</p>

<p>"The intensity of the violence and repression is something that has not been seen in years."</p>

<p>The report looked at the human rights situation in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since October 7.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar imposed a ban on New Year celebrations in the country in a bid to express solidarity with the people of Gaza amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar imposed a ban on New Year celebrations in the country in a bid to express solidarity with the people of Gaza amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Kakar called on the people of his country to show solidarity with the Palestinians and display solemnity and humility on New Year. "Keeping in mind the seriously concerning situation in Palestine and to show solidarity with our Palestinian brothers and sisters, there will be a strict ban by the government on holding any kind of event for New Year," he said in a brief address. He further said that Israeli forces "crossed all limits of violence and injustice", claiming the lives of over 21,000 Palestinians and killing nearly 9,000 children in its counter-offensive. "The whole Pakistani nation and the Muslim world are in a sheer state of anguish over the massacre of innocent children and genocide of unarmed Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank." He added that his country had sent two aid packages to Palestine with the third one being prepared. He also said that Pakistan was in talks with Jordan and Egypt to ensure timely aid to Palestinians and evacuation of those wounded in Gaza. Kakar said Pakistan was making all necessary efforts to highlight the plight of the Palestinians on various global forums and would continue to do so in future. Also read: Freed Israeli hostage Mia Schem reveals details about 54-day Hamas captivity, says 'went through holocaust' UN asks Israel to ‘end unlawful killings’ Shelling by Israel near a hospital in Khan Younis late on December 27 claimed the lives of 20 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The United Nations flagged the human rights situation in the West Bank and urged Israel to "end unlawful killings" of the Palestinian population in the West Bank. A report released on Thursday (Dec 28) by the UN demanded an immediate end to the use of military weapons during law enforcement operations as well as an end to arbitrary detention and ill-treatment of Palestinians, and the lifting of discriminatory movement restrictions. "The use of military tactics and weapons in law enforcement contexts, the use of unnecessary or disproportionate force, and the enforcement of broad, arbitrary and discriminatory movement restrictions that affect Palestinians are extremely troubling," UN rights chief Volker Turk said in a statement. "The intensity of the violence and repression is something that has not been seen in years." The report looked at the human rights situation in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since October 7. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan caretaker PM Kakar announces ban on New Year celebrations. Here's why

Latest in Israel-Hamas war: Israel to pull out some troops from Gaza as war enters new phase. Watch the video to know more!

Israel-Hamas war: Israel army warns Gaza war will continue through 2024

Israel-Hamas War with unrelenting Israeli bombardment rocked Gaza on Monday and this comes in the backdrop of the Israeli Army spokesperson saying that the war on Hamas leaders in Gaza would continue well into 2024 too. Keep watching for more updates.

Israel-Hamas war: Israel to pull out troops from Gaza as war enters new phase

For rapid changes in the battlefield in the Israel-Hamas War as the Israeli Army spokesperson warned that the war on the besieged Enclave's Hamas rulers will continue throughout 2024.

Israel-Hamas war | Israeli Army: War to continue through 2024

Israel-Hamas war: Israel signals changes in Gaza war tactics

Staying on with more news from Israel there is trouble that continues to mount for the beleaguered Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in the latest. Setback at home the Israeli Supreme Court has now struck down a controversial law that Netanyahu's Administration passed on Monday.

Israel's Supreme Court strikes down contentious law

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.

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli bid to clear out Gaza population?

Israel-Hamas war: Israel Army says war to continue through 2024

Israeli lawmakers call to resettle Gaza's Palestinians & build settlements. Migration of Palestinians solution to conflict, said National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. Hamas responds to Ben Gvir's proposal. Watch the video to know more!

Israel-Hamas war: Israel military entering the third phase of operations, say officials

<p>As unrelenting bombardment continues to rock Gaza, an Israeli Army spokesperson has warned that the war against Hamas which is nearing its three-month mark will continue throughout 2024.</p>

<p>Even as international calls for ceasefire continue, Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari on Monday, said the army was preparing for "prolonged fighting" that is expected to last "throughout this year".</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>Hagari also said the army was "adapting the planning of the force deployment in Gaza". This, as per AFP, is also true for&nbsp;reserve soldiers, who, as the fighting continues, "will still be required," said the army spokesperson.</p>

<p>As per AFP, he later said that some of the 300,000 Israeli reserve soldiers will be "gradually" released.</p>

<h2><strong>Relentless bombardment&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>On Monday night and into Tuesday morning,&nbsp;eyewitnesses reported Israeli missiles flying towards Rafah city and shelling around a major refugee camp, Jabalia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Talking to AFP, a Gaza resident identified as Sami Hamouda said, "It's the worst year of our lives."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-top-court-strikes-down-key-govt-legal-reform-675672">Israel’s top court strikes down government’s controversial judicial overhaul</a></strong></p>

<p>On Monday, as per the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry, 15 dead bodies from the same family were recovered from the rubble of a bombed house in Jabalia in northern Gaza.</p>

<p>"Every new day is like the previous one: bombings, death and mass killings," added Hamouda.</p>

<p>Across the length of the territory in Gaza, heavy artillery fire and air strikes were reported. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile&nbsp;in Israel, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant assured that the residents of some towns and villages near the Gaza border "will soon be able to return home" — many of whom&nbsp;were evacuated since Hamas' initial attacks.</p>

<p>On October 7, Hamas militants launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, killing around 1,140 people, as per Israel's tally. The nation has vowed to destroy Hamas, and its retaliatory attack has claimed more than 22,000 lives, as per the health ministry in the Hamas-controlled Gaza —most of them women and children.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em><strong>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.</strong></em><br />
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As unrelenting bombardment continues to rock Gaza, an Israeli Army spokesperson has warned that the war against Hamas which is nearing its three-month mark will continue throughout 2024.

As unrelenting bombardment continues to rock Gaza, an Israeli Army spokesperson has warned that the war against Hamas which is nearing its three-month mark will continue throughout 2024. Even as international calls for ceasefire continue, Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari on Monday, said the army was preparing for "prolonged fighting" that is expected to last "throughout this year". Also read | Israel likely shifting to lower-intensity operations following troop pullback from Gaza Hagari also said the army was "adapting the planning of the force deployment in Gaza". This, as per AFP, is also true for reserve soldiers, who, as the fighting continues, "will still be required," said the army spokesperson. As per AFP, he later said that some of the 300,000 Israeli reserve soldiers will be "gradually" released. Relentless bombardment On Monday night and into Tuesday morning, eyewitnesses reported Israeli missiles flying towards Rafah city and shelling around a major refugee camp, Jabalia. Talking to AFP, a Gaza resident identified as Sami Hamouda said, "It's the worst year of our lives." Also read | Israel’s top court strikes down government’s controversial judicial overhaul On Monday, as per the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry, 15 dead bodies from the same family were recovered from the rubble of a bombed house in Jabalia in northern Gaza. "Every new day is like the previous one: bombings, death and mass killings," added Hamouda. Across the length of the territory in Gaza, heavy artillery fire and air strikes were reported. Meanwhile in Israel, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant assured that the residents of some towns and villages near the Gaza border "will soon be able to return home" — many of whom were evacuated since Hamas' initial attacks. On October 7, Hamas militants launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, killing around 1,140 people, as per Israel's tally. The nation has vowed to destroy Hamas, and its retaliatory attack has claimed more than 22,000 lives, as per the health ministry in the Hamas-controlled Gaza —most of them women and children. (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.

Israel-Hamas war to continue 'throughout' 2024, says Israeli Army spokesperson

<p><em><strong>Trigger warning: Some readers may find the details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised</strong></em></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"His wife was outside the room with the children," she said, adding, "That was the only reason he didn’t rape me."</p>

<h2><strong>A harrowing experience</strong></h2>

<p>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;</p>

<p>She claims that she was starved and taunted by the captor's family.</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>"There is fear of being raped, there is fear of dying," she said, recounting the ordeal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>You can watch the full interview here:</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The full 30 minute interview with former Hamas hostage Mia Schem is out with English subtitles.<br />
<br />
Just watched the entire thing.<br />
<br />
She is a survivor in every sense of the word. A very string woman.<br />
<br />
Via <a href="https://twitter.com/YaariCohen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@YaariCohen</a> <a href="https://t.co/UDjVFa3QKl">pic.twitter.com/UDjVFa3QKl</a></p>
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) <a href="https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/1741858382070399035?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Mia Schem is one of the hostages who were released during a brief ceasefire in November 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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."</p>

<p>"I went through a holocaust," said Schem. "Everyone over there is a terrorist… there are no innocent civilians, not one."</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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?"</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong><em>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.</em></strong></p>


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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