Former ‘Israeli’ captive recounts moving freely in Gaza

• Former ‘Israeli’ captive says he moved among civilians in Gaza without being recognized.
• He says captives feared ‘Israel’ military rescue attempts more than captivity itself.

A former ‘Israeli’ captive held by Hamas in Gaza says he and other captives moved among civilians without anyone realizing who they were, describing the experience as surreal and deeply unsettling.

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In remarks reported by the Hebrew daily Maariv, Maxim Herkin said he would sometimes walk in public spaces accompanied by members of Hamas, yet no one appeared to recognize that he and others had been held captive.

“A strange experience”

Herkin described the situation as “a strange experience”, noting that despite moments of exposure, escape was never considered.

“We never thought about trying to flee,” he said, according to the report.

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He explained that the captives lived in constant fear of any potential ‘Israel’ military rescue operation, believing such an attempt would put their lives at immediate risk.

Fear of rescue attempts

“We were convinced that the fighters would kill us if soldiers tried to free us,” Herkin said.

He added that on some occasions, ‘Israel’ forces were extremely close to their location.

“Sometimes the army was only about 20 meters away,” he said. “Still, we were terrified of any rescue attempt. We had no illusions.”

Hope for a prisoner exchange

According to Harkin, the only outcome the captives hoped for was release through a negotiated prisoner exchange.

“All we wished for was to return to our homes through a swap deal,” he said.