On October 7, Noa Marciano found herself in the crossfire, seeking refuge from Hamas gunfire in a bomb shelter. The Israeli Army recently confirmed her identity, acknowledging that the 19-year-old soldier is being held hostage by Hamas militants. This revelation came to light after a video, released by the armed wing of Hamas, showcased Marciano in captivity.
On Tuesday, the Israeli Army confirmed the identity of Noa Marciano as one of the hostages held by Hamas. In a statement released shortly after midnight, the army expressed deep sympathy for the Marciano family, condemning the brutal kidnapping by the Hamas terrorist organization. Assurances were given that all available means, both intelligence and operational, were being utilized to secure the safe return of the hostages.
Who is Noa Marciano?
Noa Marciano's identity was officially confirmed by the Israeli Army, marking a significant development since the mass abduction by Hamas gunmen on October 7, during which approximately 240 individuals were taken. The Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas' armed wing, released a video on Monday night featuring Marciano reading a message in Hebrew, revealing her name, and identity card number, and stating that she had been detained in Gaza for four days. Regrettably, the video claims that Marciano succumbed to an Israeli airstrike on November 9.
Support and Condemnation
Chief spokesman Daniel Hagari confirmed that the IDF is actively supporting the Marciano family in the wake of the video's release. An IDF representative personally visited the family to inform them of the video's publication. The Hamas terrorist organization's use of psychological terrorism, as evident in videos and photos of hostages, has been strongly condemned for its inhumane nature.
Noa Marciano's Background
Noa Marciano, who reportedly turned 19 while in captivity on October 12, hails from Modi'in. She served in the Combat Intelligence Collection Corps of the 414th Regiment in the IDF and held the role of an army spotter at Kibbutz Nahal Oz. Her abduction on October 7, according to her mother Adi Marciano, occurred while she and her friends sought refuge in a bomb shelter in the Nahal Oz kibbutz, responding to gunfire initiated by Hamas.
International Pressure and Humanitarian Concerns
As this tragic situation unfolds, international pressure mounts on Israel to minimize civilian suffering during its extensive air and ground operations. The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza reports a staggering toll, with 11,240 casualties, including 4,630 children. The urgency to address this crisis with a focus on humanitarian concerns reverberates on the global stage.
As the conflict unfolds, with the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza reporting devastating casualties, including 4,630 children among the 11,240 lives lost, the story of Noa Marciano stands as a stark reminder of the human cost of war and continues to draw condemnation as nations grapple with the complexities of the situation.
Suggested reading: Israel Shares Images Of Slain Children To Rally Support Amid War