Tel Aviv: The rape trial of an ex-Israeli hostage has caught worldwide attention on social media, with comments suggesting that "it was safer for her when she was with Hamas," Israeli media reported on Thursday.
According to Anadolu Agency, Mia Schem, 23, was released by Hamas from the Gaza Strip in November 2023 during a week-long ceasefire between the Israeli army and the Palestinian resistance group. Schem alleged that she was raped by a well-known Israeli fitness trainer and influencer in her house after being given a date-rape drug. "This was my biggest fear my whole life, before captivity, during captivity," Haaretz daily quoted Schem as saying. "And it happened to me after captivity, in my safest place."
Maariv daily reported that Schem's case quickly transcended Israel's borders after it was revealed that she was the complainant in the rape trial of the famous fitness trainer. The newspaper noted that the full disclosure of the rape case prompted people on social media around the world to comment, many expressing support for Schem. Some users remarked, "It was safer for her when she was with Hamas," highlighting the perceived severity of her situation post-release.
Israeli estimates indicate that 59 captives remain in Gaza, with 24 believed to be alive. In stark contrast, over 9,500 Palestinians are imprisoned in Israel under harsh conditions, with reports of torture, starvation, and medical neglect, as documented by both Palestinian and Israeli rights organizations.
The conflict has resulted in the death of more than 52,600 Palestinians in Gaza since October 2023, with most casualties being women and children. In response, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice related to its military actions in the enclave.