"Krone" guest commentary

In the clutches of Hamas for 150 days

Do you remember what you did 150 days ago, on October 7, 2023? Everyone in Israel remembers. On that day, Hamas terrorists slaughtered over 1,200 men, women and children, raped, tortured and mutilated women and kidnapped more than 240 people - 134 are still being held in Gaza, including two young boys and 19 young women. Hamas' cruelty continues. It uses the hostages and Palestinians as shields.

The testimonies of those who have already returned reveal only a fraction of the torment and anguish that the abductees continue to suffer. The released hostage Agam Goldstein-Almog reported the harrowing abuse of a fellow prisoner: The terrorist forced his way into the shower, pointed a gun at her head, undressed her and began sexually molesting her while she cried in despair and was paralyzed with fear.

Hamas has used and is deliberately using sexual violence as a weapon. This reminds us of the urgent need to combat all violence against women and to protect their rights and dignity worldwide. On March 8, International Women's Day, we must also remember the atrocities faced by women everywhere.

150 days. The hostages are still there. Bring them home now! Please don't forget them!

Guest commentary by Maya Karmely Sommer, Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of the State of Israel