Israeli Woman Held in Gaza Commends Palestinian Fighters for Humane Treatment

Aloni's letter, written in Hebrew during her detention and made public by Palestinian media on Monday, praised the behavior of al-Qassam Brigades’ fighters who guarded her and her daughter, Emelia, during their time in Gaza.

Both were part of the first group of Israeli captives released after a prisoner swap deal between Hamas and Israel.

This comes as more released captives echoed similar sentiments, affirming the positive treatment they received while in Hamas custody.

Aloni thanked the al-Qassam fighters for their "extraordinary humanity" towards her daughter, expressing Emelia's sense of being treated with care and kindness, making her feel special during their time in Gaza.

She said that due to the exceptional care provided by the Hamas fighters, her daughter “considered herself a queen in Gaza and felt like she was the center of the world.”

In her translated letter, Aloni extended heartfelt gratitude to the commanders for their exceptional treatment of Emelia, highlighting the warmth, care, and love shown to her daughter throughout their stay in Gaza.

She expressed hope for future friendship and wished them good health and happiness, acknowledging their kindness amidst the challenging situation in Gaza.

The following is the full text of Aloni's letter, translated from Hebrew:

“To the commanders who have accompanied me in recent weeks. It seems that we will part ways tomorrow, but I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your extraordinary humanity that you have shown towards my daughter Emelia. You treated her like your own. You welcomed her in your room whenever she walked in. She says that you are all her friends, not just acquaintances. You are her true and good loved ones. Thank you, thank you, thank you for the countless hours you spent with her as caregivers. Thank you for being patient with her and showering her with sweets, fruits, and everything available, even if it wasn’t readily accessible. Children should not be in captivity, but thanks to you and other kind-hearted individuals and leaders we have met during our presence here, my daughter considered herself a queen in Gaza and felt like she was the center of the world. We did not meet a single person, whether a member or leader, during our long stay (in Gaza) who did not treat her with kindness, tenderness, and love. I will forever be a captive of gratitude because she will not leave this place with a permanent psychological trauma. I will remember your kind manners, which you showed in here despite the difficult situation you were coping with yourselves, and the heavy losses that befell you here in Gaza. I wish in this world that we could be really good friends one day. I wish you all good health and well-being. Health and love to you and your families. Thank you very much. Daniel and Emelia.”