Fawzia Amin Sido, who was kidnapped by ISIS at age 11, was rescued in a coordinated effort between Israeli and U.S. officials after her escape from Hamas captivity in Gaza.
Fawzia Amin Sido, a Yazidi woman who was held captive by Hamas terrorists for a decade, has been reunited with her family in Iraq following her daring escape and safe evacuation on October 1st. This complex operation was coordinated by Israeli and U.S. officials, with assistance from other international actors.
Sido's ordeal began in 2014 when she was just 11 years old and was kidnapped by ISIS terrorists. She was then sold and trafficked into Gaza, where she was forced to marry an alleged Hamas fighter. Her harrowing experience mirrors the plight of thousands of Yazidis who were targeted by ISIS in northern Iraq, with many women and children enduring horrific abuses and sexual violence.
Yazidi Woman Reunited with Family After Escape from Hamas Captivity in Gaza
After her captor was reportedly killed in an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) strike, Sido seized the opportunity to escape and sought refuge in a hideout within the Gaza Strip. Israeli and U.S. officials worked tirelessly to coordinate her rescue, which involved a secret mission from Gaza through the Kerem Shalom Crossing.
Upon entering Israel, Sido was transported through the Allenby Bridge Crossing to Jordan and finally reunited with her family in Iraq. The IDF played a crucial role in the operation, along with the U.S. Embassy in Israel and other international actors.
Yazidi Woman Reunited with Family After Escape from Hamas Captivity in Gaza
The rescue of Sido highlights the ongoing efforts to locate and free Yazidi hostages who remain missing or unaccounted for. According to a State Department spokesperson, approximately 2,600 Yazidis are still missing, and the U.S. is determined to find them and bring them home.
The case of Sido also sheds light on the growing ties between ISIS and other terrorist organizations, including Hamas. The IDF has pledged to continue its efforts to combat the "Hamas-ISIS terrorist organization" and to liberate all hostages held captive in Gaza.
Yazidi Woman Reunited with Family After Escape from Hamas Captivity in Gaza
Currently, Hamas is believed to be holding 101 hostages, including seven Americans who were taken during the October 7, 2023 attacks. This number does not include other Yazidi abductees who may also be held in Gaza.
The successful rescue of Fawzia Amin Sido serves as a beacon of hope for other victims of terrorism and underscores the international community's dedication to combating human trafficking and holding those responsible accountable.
Yazidi Woman Reunited with Family After Escape from Hamas Captivity in Gaza
As efforts continue to secure the release of remaining hostages, the story of Sido's resilience and determination serves as an inspiration to all who have endured unimaginable suffering and trauma.
