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LONDON DAILY ARCHIVE

Artist sent final ‘I love you’ message to boyfriend before being seized by Hamas

Inbar Hyman, an Israeli artist abducted by Hamas during a music festival close to the Gaza border. Before her abduction, she sent her boyfriend, Noam Alon, a loving message expressing excitement for their upcoming holiday in Egypt.

20 October 2023 · 02:40 UTC

Instead, Inbar was captured during a violent incursion by militants at the festival, where they killed over 260 attendees.

Eyewitnesses reported that Inbar tried to hide during the attack, but was eventually cornered and taken by two men on a motorbike. She was recognized by her parents in a video released by Hamas, even though her face was obscured, thanks to a distinct pattern on her tights. Noam hasn't watched the video.

Noam voiced his desire for a hostage deal before any Israeli military action in Gaza. He stressed the importance of prioritizing the safe return of the hostages. Inbar, also known as the graffiti artist "Pink," has received widespread support through murals by fellow artists.

Emphasizing the potential cost of securing the hostages' release, Noam referenced the case of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, who was exchanged for over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners. The Israel Defence Forces have assured their commitment to the safe rescue of hostages without jeopardizing their safety.