The mother of an Israeli hostage who was accidentally killed by Israeli soldiers in Gaza has spoken out against videos released by Hamas, referring to them as “psychological warfare.” In an interview with BBC News, Iris Haim expressed her belief that the recent videos showing hostages who appeared to be dead were intended to weaken the Israeli population and turn them against their government. Haim’s son, Yotam, was killed along with two other Israeli captives during an attack by Hamas gunmen on Israel in October. The videos released by Hamas show the bodies of hostages Yossi Sharabi and Itay Svirsky, whom Hamas claims were killed by air strikes. However, Israeli forensic officials have disputed these claims based on post-mortems conducted on the bodies.
Haim’s own son, along with the other two men, managed to escape into an empty building near Israeli army positions. They used food to write messages on a sheet, attempting to alert soldiers to their presence. Despite their efforts, the Israeli soldiers suspected a Hamas trap and did not enter the building. Later, when the hostages exited the building shirtless, waving a makeshift white flag, an Israeli sniper opened fire, resulting in Yotam’s injury and the deaths of the other two men. According to the official investigation, a command was given to hold fire and Yotam was told to come forward, but the soldier shot anyway, claiming not to have heard the order due to noise from a tank. Haim expressed her disappointment over the incident but refrained from blaming the soldiers, recognizing that they also have families and mothers.
In contrast to Haim’s response, the family of Alon Shamriz, another hostage who was killed, blamed the Israeli government for his kidnapping and death. Haim’s reaction, however, directs the blame solely at Hamas, highlighting their responsibility for the tragic events that occurred. Despite the loss of her son, Haim chooses not to harbor anger and instead emphasizes the need for accountability within Hamas.
Haim has been actively raising awareness about the situation of the hostages and seeking international support. Although she still held hope for her son’s safe return, Yotam and the two other hostages were eventually killed. Haim finds solace in her son’s resilience during his captivity and his ability to maintain high spirits, even in the harsh conditions imposed by Hamas. Yotam’s passion for music, particularly as a drummer in a heavy metal band, served as a source of distraction and strength for him.
While approximately half of the hostages were released in November, around 130 individuals remain in captivity, according to Haim. She expresses concern for their wellbeing, revealing that there is a shortage of food and medication in Gaza. Haim believes that time is running out for the remaining hostages, despite Israel’s efforts to secure their release.
In her eyes, Yotam died a hero, having fought for his freedom until the end. Haim wishes for the world to remember her son as someone who ended his life as a free person, showcasing his bravery and resilience in the face of adversity.
Mother of Israeli hostage killed by soldiers in Gaza calls Hamas videos ‘psychological warfare’
