The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has announced the elimination of a Hamas terrorist who was seen dragging IDF soldier Naama Levy into captivity during the October 7 attacks. The terrorist was identified in widely circulated footage showing him violently abducting the 20-year-old surveillance soldier from the Nahal Oz military base.
In the disturbing video from October 7, Levy was seen being forcibly dragged from a Jeep by the armed militant, her ankles slashed and wearing blood-stained sweatpants. The footage became a haunting symbol of Hamas's brutality against female hostages.
Levy spent 477 days in captivity before being released on January 25, 2025, alongside three other female IDF soldiers. After her release, she revealed details of her ordeal, including spending the first 50 days mostly in isolation before being held with other captives who "gave me strength and hope."
Upon returning home, Levy expressed gratitude for the support she received while in captivity: "While I was still in captivity, I saw how you were fighting for me. Thank you, everyone, I love you."
The IDF's confirmation of eliminating the terrorist responsible for her abduction marks another development in Israel's ongoing military response to the October 7 attacks, during which Hamas took over 250 hostages. While some hostages have been freed through negotiated releases, approximately 80 are believed to remain in captivity.