The Hamas terrorist group released a video on Monday featuring a statement from one of the hostages captured during the October 7 attack on Israel. In the footage, a young woman with an injured arm is shown receiving medical treatment. She identifies herself as 21-year-old Mia Schem and pleads to be returned to her family as soon as possible. A representative of the family has confirmed her identity. This family was among a group of French families who recently appealed to French President Emmanuel Macron for assistance in freeing their missing relatives.
In the video, Mia Schem is lying in a bed while her injured arm is being bandaged. The footage also captures sounds of explosions in the background, believed to be Israeli airstrikes. Mia explains that she was taken to Gaza from Sderot on Saturday morning while she was attending a party. She sustained a serious hand injury during the abduction and underwent a three-hour surgery. She expresses her desperation to be reunited with her family and appeals for a swift rescue from Gaza.
The devastating attack resulted in the capture of at least 199 Israelis and foreign individuals by Hamas gunmen. Tragically, the attack claimed the lives of 1,300 people, marking the highest number of fatal casualties in a single day in Israel’s history. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that they are in constant contact with Mia Schem’s family and have condemned Hamas as a terrorist organization. The IDF emphasized their commitment to using all necessary intelligence and operational measures to secure the release of all hostages, including Mia.
Hamas’s armed wing previously referred to non-Israeli individuals kidnapped on October 7 as “guests” who would be released when circumstances allowed. During the attack, Mia Schem managed to send a text message to a friend, pleading for help and stating that they were under fire. So far, twelve French citizens have been confirmed dead in Israel, while 17 remain missing, including Mia. The situation remains urgent, with the hope of a swift and safe rescue for all hostages involved in this tragic event.
Note: Reuters contributed to this report.