Toronto woman grappling with grief, anger after death of cousin held hostage by Hamas
Maayan Shavit says 40-year-old Carmel Gat was among six hostages whose bodies were recovered by the Israeli army in Gaza on Saturday shortly after they were killed.
A Toronto woman with family in Israel is grappling with intense anger and grief after learning that her cousin, who had been taken hostage by Hamas, has died in the Gaza Strip.
Maayan Shavit reports that her 40-year-old cousin, Carmel Gat, was among six hostages whose bodies were recovered by the Israeli army in Gaza on Saturday, shortly after they were killed.
Hamas had seized over 200 hostages during the October 7 attack that sparked the ongoing conflict, resulting in more than 1,200 Israeli casualties, including one of Shavit's aunts.
The release of hostages has become a central issue in international peace negotiations aimed at ending the war. Hamas has stated that they would release all hostages if Israel halts its attacks on Gaza and frees hundreds of prisoners. However, Israel has maintained that it will continue its efforts until Hamas is fully dismantled.
The deaths of the six hostages have triggered widespread protests against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with tens of thousands of people taking to the streets of Jerusalem, demanding a ceasefire and the immediate release of the remaining hostages.
Shavit’s sorrow over Gat’s death is compounded by anger directed at both Hamas and Netanyahu. She holds Hamas responsible for taking hostages and igniting the conflict, while also criticizing Netanyahu for failing to adequately protect the hostages and ensure their safe return.
