Amidst the continuation of the Israel-Hamas conflict, which has now extended into its ninth day, India Today TV engaged in a conversation with Israeli actor Rona-Lee Shimon, known for her role as 'Nurit' in the popular web series 'Fauda.' Shimon shared her perspective on the ongoing crisis, terrorism, and hostage situations affecting her nation, characterizing the past ten days as some of the "most dreadful" she has ever encountered in her life.
As the interview progressed, Shimon described how her country and its people have been profoundly affected by the recent acts of terror and aggression. She expressed her fervent hope that such events would never occur again. Shimon attributed a transformation in the lives of Israeli citizens to the horrifying events of October 7, asserting that the mass killings orchestrated by Hamas terrorists were unforgivable and unforgettable, leaving a profound and enduring impact.
Shimon alluded to the impact of 'Fauda,' a series that delves into the experiences of an Israeli counter-terrorism unit pursuing a terrorist organization. She noted that while the show depicts scenarios involving Hezbollah and Hamas attacks, real life differs starkly from fiction. Shimon asserted that what Hamas terrorists inflicted upon Israel was not warfare but infiltration. She recounted the atrocities committed by these terrorists, which included breaking into people's homes at dawn, kidnapping individuals, and perpetrating acts of sexual violence, infant decapitations, and gruesome murders.
According to Shimon, the nature of these horrors is beyond anything that could be conceived in a work of fiction. She acknowledged that some people may find it challenging to believe the scale of atrocities, given the extreme brutality and inhumanity they represent. She emphasized the urgent need for the world to comprehend that this constitutes an entirely new category of war crimes, a "whole new level of evil" that has emerged in the modern world, one that humanity has never previously witnessed.
On the topic of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statements about Hamas, Shimon abstained from comment, clarifying that she is a concerned citizen rather than a head of state. She underscored that the foremost priority is to secure the safe return of hostages held by Hamas, a group representing 36 different countries.
Regarding the concern over Israel's actions in Gaza, Shimon contended that disproportionality contradicts Jewish moral values. She explained that Israeli soldiers could never perpetrate acts of violence to the extent described, indicating that such behavior does not align with the principles of humanity and decency. She underscored that these acts violate the moral code that Israel adheres to.
Reflecting on the unity of the Jewish people in the face of adversity, Shimon expressed the belief that their collective strength resides in their solidarity. She observed that when the crisis unfolded, Jewish families worldwide rallied to support Israel in its battle for survival.
Discussing the Hamas assault on a music festival near the Gaza border, Shimon condemned the terrorists' actions, describing them as motivated by intentions to inflict harm, humiliation, rape, and butchery upon innocent individuals. She remarked on the sheer joy and pride displayed in the faces of the attackers captured in videos, indicating their malevolence. Shimon confidently asserted that justice would be served and that Israel would emerge victorious.
Shimon's vision of victory encompassed the safe return of all hostages to their homes and the elimination of the Hamas terrorist group. She emphasized the substantial financial aid received by Hamas from international sources, which could have been used to transform the Gaza Strip into a paradise but was instead directed towards the creation of weapons and destructive machines. Shimon drew parallels between Hamas and the Islamic State, anticipating that Israel would respond to Hamas as the U.S. did to ISIS.
The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has resulted in a significant loss of life on both sides. Israel's preparations for a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip, along with calls for evacuation, have further heightened tensions. Meanwhile, emergency supplies in the Strip were reinstated by Israel, even as hospitals faced fuel shortages, jeopardizing their operations.
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