Israeli-French Woman Held Hostage by Hamas

Mia Schem, a 21-year-old French-Israeli woman, is being held hostage by the militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip. A video released by Hamas on October 16, 2023, shows Schem with a visible scar and bandaged arm, pleading for her return to her family. The footage is the first of its kind, providing proof of life for any of the dozens of people held captive in the enclave.

Mother Pleads for Daughter’s Return

In a press conference in Tel Aviv, Keren Scharf Schem, Mia’s mother, implored the government and world leaders to secure her daughter’s release. She recounted how her daughter attended a music festival and ended up captive in Gaza, emphasizing that Mia is not the only one in this predicament.

Scharf Schem did not know if her daughter was alive until she saw the footage released by Hamas. She believes her daughter looks terrified and in pain, and is being coerced into speaking. She appealed to the world to end this terror and secure the release of her daughter and other hostages.

The Kidnapping Situation in Gaza

It remains unclear how many hostages are currently held in Gaza. A spokesperson for Hamas’ military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, stated on October 16 that they hold about 200 hostages, with other militant groups detaining the rest. However, due to ongoing Israeli bombardment, the exact number remains undetermined.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have been relentlessly striking Gaza following a deadly Hamas terror attack. Palestinian news agency WAFA reported that over 2,800 people have been killed so far. The IDF has stated that it’s using all intelligence and operational means to return the abductees and accused Hamas of posing as a humanitarian organization while conducting heinous terrorist activities.

The Fate of the Hostages

The Al-Qassam Brigades spokesperson claimed that 22 of the hostages in Gaza were killed in Israeli airstrikes, including an Israeli artist who reportedly died on October 14, 2023. These claims could not be independently verified.

The spokesperson also noted that the group would release hostages with foreign citizenship when the opportunity arises and asserted their commitment to protecting them. Meanwhile, the IDF had reported earlier that at least 199 people were being held hostage in Gaza.

The Nova Festival Attack

Mia Schem was kidnapped from the Nova Festival near the Gaza Strip following a Hamas terror attack that has so far resulted in at least 1,400 deaths. According to the IDF, at least 260 people were found dead at the festival site. Schem had sent a message to a friend at the festival, stating they were under attack and pleading for help.

Schem’s family has reiterated their love and commitment to doing anything to bring her home. Her mother described her as the “heart of the family”, caring and her best friend, while her brother Eli Schem expressed their anticipation for her safe return.