ASHKELON, Israel – The sister of slain hostage Itay Svirsky HY”D appeared on Army Radio to recount the tragic circumstances of her brother’s death. Merav Svirsky expressed frustration and disapproval of the Israeli government’s handling of the situation, claiming that military operations were endangering the lives of the hostages.
According to Merav, Itay was taken by Hamas from their mother’s home in Kibbutz Be’eri on October 7, after being shot in the arm. The situation escalated when the Israeli military shelled the area near Itay’s location, leading to his captor shooting him as he attempted to flee. Merav argued that the ongoing conflict was placing the hostages in grave danger and called out the government for their lack of transparency and honesty.
Itay was one of three hostages featured in a Hamas video, pleading for their release. However, Hamas later declared that Itay had been killed in captivity, a claim that was tragically confirmed by Israeli forces. Merav shared her emotional turmoil upon learning of her brother’s death, emphasizing the conflicting goals of military operations and the safe return of the hostages.
As the tragic events unfolded, Hamas released two propaganda videos, one showing Itay and two fellow captives and the other claiming that Itay had been killed in an IDF strike. The Israeli military denounced the latter video as a “Hamas lie,” but had previously expressed concern for the hostages’ safety.
Merav’s account laid bare the anguish and frustration of the families of the hostages, who felt betrayed and deceived by the government’s handling of the situation. She emphasized the need for a reevaluation of the military’s tactics, stressing the detrimental impact on the lives of the hostages.
The callous and avoidable nature of Itay’s death resonated throughout Merav’s retelling, highlighting the devastating consequences of the ongoing conflict. Her emotional plea for transparency and accountability struck a chord, underscoring the need for a reassessment of the military’s approach to ensure the safety of the hostages.
As the interview concluded, Merav’s words echoed a poignant plea for the truth and a stark condemnation of the circumstances that led to her brother’s untimely demise. Her impassioned words encapsulated the heartache and frustration of families caught in the crossfire, seeking justice and resolution amidst the chaos and tragedy.