Lagatar24 Desk
Tel Aviv: Omer Shem Tov, an Israeli hostage freed by Hamas, has revealed that he was forced to kiss his captorsbefore being released. Shem Tov, one of the six hostages freed on Saturday, was seen kissing two masked Hamas militants and blowing kisses to the crowd. However, after returning home, he stated that he was instructed to do so under duress.
Hostage’s Father Confirms Forced Act
Shem Tov’s father told Kan TV that his son was coerced by Hamas terrorists.
“They compelled him to wave and kiss the masked guard standing next to him,” he said. “In the footage, you can see someone coming up to him and telling him what to do.”
The Daily Express quoted Shem Tov as saying that the act was not voluntary, but dictated by his captors.
Hostage Taken During October 7 Hamas Attacks
Shem Tov was abducted by Hamas on October 7, 2023, during a coordinated terrorist attack on southern Israel. The attack resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the abduction of around 250 hostages.
He was taken from the Nova Music Festival in Israel’s Negev Desert, along with two other men, and held in Gaza for over 500 days before being released.
International Reactions and Ongoing Ceasefire Talks
The release of hostages is part of ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas, facilitated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. Meanwhile, Israel continues its military operations in Gaza in an effort to dismantle Hamas’ strongholds and secure the return of remaining hostages.
