A former Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldier held hostage in Gaza has spoken publicly about her harrowing experience, revealing that one of her greatest fears during captivity was not her captors, but Israeli airstrikes.
Na’ama Levy, 19 at the time of her abduction during the October 7 Hamas-led assault, was one of five female IDF soldiers freed in a hostage deal in January. Speaking Sunday at a weekly rally in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square, where thousands gathered to demand the return of remaining hostages, Levy described the terrifying impact of Israeli military operations near her place of captivity.
“They come unexpectedly,” Levy said, referring to the airstrikes. “At first you hear the whistles, you pray that it won’t fall on us, and then – the explosions. A noise so loud it paralyzes the body, and the ground shakes. Every time, I was sure that this was the end of me.”
She recounted an incident in which a strike partially collapsed the house where she was held. “That was my reality. It’s their reality now,” she added, in reference to hostages who remain in Gaza. “Even now, there are hostages who hear those whistles and explosions, trembling with fear. They have nowhere to run, only to pray and cling to the walls.”
Levy’s remarks come amid rising frustration among hostage families over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the war. Earlier this month, Netanyahu declared that defeating Israel’s enemies was a higher priority than securing the return of the hostages—a statement that drew sharp backlash from families and rights groups.
“There’s no way in Israel they really understand what we’re going through and are still leaving us in Gaza,” Levy said, calling for an immediate resolution. “There will be no victory without their return.”
Her comments echoed earlier reports of similar fears expressed by other hostages, who said they were terrified not only of Hamas, but of the possibility of dying in Israeli attacks. Leaked audio reported by Israeli media last year revealed one hostage saying, “It would not be Hamas, but Israel, that would kill us.”
Tensions further escalated last week with the appointment of Maj. Gen. David Zini as head of Israel’s Shin Bet security agency. Zini has reportedly voiced opposition to hostage deals in past IDF meetings, declaring, “This is a forever war,” according to Channel 12 News.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum condemned the appointment, calling it “a blow to the value of solidarity and the sacred duty to leave no one behind.”
As international pressure mounts for an end to the war, with allies such as the UK, Canada, and the EU threatening diplomatic and economic consequences, voices like Levy’s are adding urgency to the debate within Israel over how the conflict is being waged, and at what cost.
Written By Rodney Mbua
