As reports of Hamas' attacks on Israeli cities emerged, one of the first videos to surface showed two men taking away a woman. They put her on a bike and rode away as her eyes, full of dread, and screams for help made Noa Argamani, 26, the face of helplessness in the aftermath of the October 7 terror attacks. An investigation by US news outlet NBC has now suggested that Noa may not have been kidnapped by Hamas operatives but by a mob of Gaza civilians who took advantage of the Hamas attacks to enter Israel.

The Kidnapping Incident

Noa Argamani, a data science engineering student, was kidnapped from the Supernova music festival during a Hamas attack on October 7. The attack was reportedly carried out by Hamas's elite commando unit, Nukhba Force, resulting in approximately 360 casualties and dozens taken hostage.

Hamas or Civilian Mob?

An analysis of the video capturing Noa's kidnapping suggests that it likely occurred hours into the attack, closer to midday than sunrise when the assault began. Israeli military officials propose the possibility that after the Nukhba Force's assault, other individuals, potentially criminal elements, arrived at the scene. Notably, the captors in the video did not appear armed or in tactical vests, indicating they might not be Nukhba members.

Noa's Release and Truce Collapse

While more than 100 hostages were released during the ceasefire between Tel Aviv and Hamas, Noa, among 14 women civilians, remains unreleased. The truce's collapse is attributed to Hamas's refusal to release these women. Reasons for this refusal include possible concerns related to the ages of some women and allegations of sexual violence during captivity. Another perspective is that Hamas may not have Noa at all.

A Family in Despair

Noa's parents, Yaakov and Liora Argamani had hoped for their daughter's return with the truce and hostage release deal. However, with the truce collapsing and Noa missing for two and a half months, despair sets in. Liora, battling terminal brain cancer, expressed her longing to see Noa at home, while Yaakov continues his vigil outside the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, known as 'Hostages Square.' The couple faces uncertainty as they await news of their only child.