Israel hostage families unveil Hamas tunnel replica

Relatives of Israeli captives in Gaza unveiled a replica in Tel Aviv Saturday of the tunnels where they are believed to be held, to mark 100 days since they were seized.

After walking through the mock tunnel outside the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, Eyal Moar said it was only a “small bite” of the ordeal experienced by his uncle Abraham Munder, 79, and the other hostages abducted on October 7.

“We know the conditions are really horrifying — no fresh air, very little food, no meds, no sun light, they sleep on the floor,” Moar told AFP in the central plaza renamed “Hostages Square” by campaigners.

Israeli artist Roni Levavi, who designed the installation, wanted to create “the most faithful reconstruction” of the Gaza tunnels and relied on images from the media, he told AFP.

The interior of the tunnel is dimly lit, there is dirt on the ground and the sounds of gunfire and shelling are constantly played.

This would “give an idea of what the hostages have been feeling for so many days”, Levavi said.

“That’s the only tunnel in this story that has a light in the end of it,” said Inbar Goldstein, who had several relatives released during a week-long truce in November, and several others killed in the initial attack.

She said it was a duty to help the remaining hostages find the light and bring them home.

Palestinian militants took about 250 captives on October 7, 132 of whom Israel says remain in Gaza, including at least 25 believed to have been killed.

The attack by Hamas also resulted in about 1,140 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.

– ‘Not enough’ –

Although more than 100 hostages were released during the November truce, the fate of the others remains unclear.

On Friday, Israeli officials said they had reached a deal to get medicines to the remaining captives — which some of the families believed was scant progress.

“It’s not enough,” said Ella Ben Ami, whose father Ohad Ben Ami, 55, is among those still held.

“I want him home, in hospital, in good healthcare, not in Hamas healthcare.”

Israel has pounded Gaza since October 7, killing at least 23,843 people, mostly women and children, according to the territory’s health ministry.

The Israeli military often speaks of “terror tunnels” they say Hamas fighters use to move hostages around, as well as to store weapons and shelter from the bombing.

The relatives said the experience of being stuck, even in the mocked-up tunnel, was harrowing.

“I was there for five minutes and I just wanted to run away,” said Ben Ami. “I had a choice to run away but they don’t.”