A young German-Israeli woman who was abducted from a music festival by Hamas gunmen has been confirmed dead by Israel’s Foreign Ministry. Shani Louk, 23, was found lying in the back of a pickup truck after being kidnapped and tortured by Hamas terrorists. Her family received the news of her killing earlier in the day, and her aunt reported that a fragment of her niece’s skull had been recovered from the rave site. The National Institute of Forensic Medicine positively identified the fragment, which indicated an unsurvivable wound. Louk’s cause of death has not been officially confirmed. Her mother expressed relief that her daughter did not suffer. The Israeli Foreign Ministry issued a statement mourning Louk’s death and condemning the “unfathomable horrors” she experienced. Louk’s sister shared the news with great sadness on Instagram.
Prior to the confirmation of her death, Louk’s family had held out hope that she may still be alive despite video footage showing her in the captivity of armed militants. The video showed Louk stripped half-naked with a leg bent at an unnatural angle. Her family had received information that she had been seriously injured but was receiving treatment in a hospital.
Meanwhile, Israeli officials announced the release of Col. Uri Magidish, a female soldier who was also abducted on Oct. 7. She was examined by doctors and found to be in good condition. The IDF and Shin Bet will continue their efforts to secure the release of the remaining abductees.
The confirmation of Louk’s death comes after Israeli ground forces moved into Gaza. Witnesses reported tanks and infantry advancing into the outskirts of Gaza City, blocking a main road. A video circulating online showed an Israeli tank and bulldozer obstructing the road and firing at a white car, resulting in three deaths. The witness claimed the vehicle was a taxi with a white flag. Israeli military spokesperson Maj. Nir Dinar stated that there was no proof the car was civilian and that terrorists often use civilian infrastructure. The head of the Hamas government denied the presence of Israeli army vehicles in residential neighborhoods.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, over 8,000 people, mostly minors and women, have been killed since Israel increased its strikes on the enclave following Hamas’ Oct. 7 attacks. The IDF spokesperson stated that ground activities in Gaza have expanded, and the families of 239 people have been notified of their relatives being held hostage. The Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ military wing, released a video of three captives criticizing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and demanding their release.
Read more at The Daily Beast.
