Maya Regev, 21, has been released by Hamas after being held captive for 50 days in the Gaza Strip. However, her younger brother Itay, 18, is still being held by the militant group. Maya and Itay were abducted by Hamas operatives during the Tribe of Nova music festival in southern Israel on October 7.
Mirit Regev, their mother, expressed her mixed emotions upon Maya’s release, as her son is still in captivity. Maya was one of the 17 hostages freed by Hamas on the second day of the truce. Originally from Herzliya, near Tel Aviv, Maya and Itay had returned to Israel the day before the festival after celebrating their mother’s birthday abroad.
During the abduction, Maya was hit by gunfire while on the phone with their father, Ilan Regev, who desperately tried to locate their position. Maya’s last words to her father were, “Dad, come here. They’re shooting at me, I’m dying.” Ilan rushed to the concert venue but was unable to reach them due to roadblocks.
A video later surfaced online showing the siblings tied to the back of a pick-up truck. Mirit described Maya and Itay as a joyful duo who loved making plans. Maya, known for her zest for life and leadership qualities, and Itay, an avid surfer who loved to laugh, were eagerly awaited by their family.
Maya was among the 13 Israelis who were reunited with their families in the second release of hostages from Hamas captivity. She was immediately taken to a hospital to receive treatment for a leg injury.
The release of the hostages is part of an agreement between Israel and Hamas, which includes a four-day cessation of fighting and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza. Israel launched a military operation in response to the October 7 attack, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and the capture of over 200 others. According to Hamas’s health ministry, the conflict has claimed the lives of at least 15,000 people.
