In a significant development since the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, 93 hostages, including 73 Israeli nationals, have been released by Hamas, while Israel has freed over 210 Palestinian detainees. Among those freed was Rimon Kirsht, a heroic figure who is being celebrated for her defiant demeanor towards her Hamas captors. Kirsht, 36, was captured alongside her husband, Yagev Buchshtab, during Hamas' surprise attack on Kibbutz Mirim on October 7. Their ordeal lasted 53 days.
Kirsht's release on the fifth day of the ceasefire came with a remarkable display of solidarity and courage. When informed of her imminent release, she refused to leave without her husband, stating, "Either we leave together, or I stay here, and no one gets released," as reported by a family member to Israeli print media outlet Yisrael Hayom. Despite this, Hamas refused to release Buchshtab, giving Kirsht an ultimatum to leave willingly or be dragged out. She was released with 11 other hostages, including Merav Tal, who she was seen comforting after their release. Buchshtab, 34, remains in Hamas custody.
Yes, that’s my family. Yes she’s a strong and proud woman and we will be by her side every step of the way! ❤️‍🔥pic.twitter.com/va86TUPuhF
— Claire (@Claire_V0ltaire) November 29, 2023
The impact of the captivity was evident in Kirsht's appearance, noted by her relatives as being considerably thinner. Despite this, the family remains hopeful for Buchshtab's return, with Kirsht conveying his message of love to them.
In a separate but related incident, a Thai agricultural worker, Nutthawaree Munkan, and an Israeli, Danielle Aloni, along with her five-year-old daughter Emilia, were also held captive by Hamas. These captives, taken in the same October 7 attack, were reunited via a video call organized by Israel's Foreign Ministry. The emotional reunion showcased the bond formed during their shared ordeal. Aloni and her daughter were visiting family at Nir Oz kibbutz when they were captured, along with a significant portion of the kibbutz's residents.
Sky News host Caleb Bond says an Israeli hostage named Rimon Kirsht “sizes her captors right up”.https://t.co/hbd8QdGsMq
— Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) November 30, 2023
The video call, translated by psychologist Daniel Porat, was a poignant moment of shared joy and relief. Aloni expressed her desire to visit Thailand and thanked Munkan, conveying the deep connection they formed during captivity. The details of their time as hostages remain undisclosed.
This series of releases and the stories emerging from the captives highlight the complex and deeply personal nature of the conflict, as well as the resilience and solidarity of those affected. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denounced Hamas' actions, particularly their use of psychological propaganda, as witnessed in a video featuring Kirsht during her captivity.
