Rescued Hamas captive Noa Argamani speaks out: ‘Can’t forget remaining hostages’

Noa Argamani, a 26-year-old Israeli woman recently freed from Hamas captivity, has spoken out publicly for the first time since her rescue.

Argamani was one of four hostages rescued by the Israeli military in a daring operation in Gaza earlier this month. In a video message at a protest in Tel Aviv on Saturday, she called for continued efforts to bring back the remaining 120 captives.

“I’m home now, but we cannot forget the hostages that are still being held captive in Gaza, waiting for their return,” Argamani said.

Among those still in captivity is Avinatan Or, Argamani’s boyfriend, from whom she was separated at the moment of abduction.

Argamani was kidnapped by Hamas militants at the Supernova music festival on October 7. Harrowing footage had emerged of Hamas fighters dragging Argamani away on a motorcycle as she pleaded, “Don’t kill me.”

The 26-year-old university student’s screams echoed as the gunmen sped away with her trapped between them. Nearby, Or was held tightly by two other militants, watching helplessly.

Argamani’s family discovered her abduction when they stumbled upon the footage online.

After eight months in Hamas captivity, Argamani expressed gratitude to be reunited with her family, especially her mother, who is battling late-stage cancer.

During her captivity, Argamani’s main concern was for her parents’ well-being. “As an only child to my parents – and a daughter to a mother with a terminal illness – my biggest worry in captivity was for my parents,” she said.

Argamani was rescued as part of ‘Operation Arnon’, a daring mission that also liberated three others — Almog Meir Jan, Andrey Kozlov, and Shlomi Ziv.

In her message, she thanked the Israeli security forces for their bravery and paid tribute to Counterterrorism Unit commando Chief Inspector Arnon Zamora, who lost his life during the rescue.