The families of hostages taken by Hamas are desperate – but can Israel get them back?

As Israeli forces mass near the city of Sderot to go into Gaza, Kim Sengupta speaks to families whose loved ones were snatched by Hamas

A friend of Israeli student Noa Argamani, one of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas, stands with a sign showing her face (AFP via Getty)

Liora and Yakov Argamani are desperately worried about their 26-year-old daughter, Noa. Harrowing footage appeared of her weeping as she pleaded “Don’t kill me” while being driven away on the back of a motorcycle by one of the Hamas gunmen who had brought carnage to Israel.

The Islamist fighters, who had swooped down on the Supernova music festival by paraglider, killed 260 people and abducted others. Noa’s boyfriend, Avi Natan, was seen being marched away from her, gripped tightly by his arms. A video of Noa, recorded inside Gaza, has since appeared on social media.

“She is an only child, a wonderful beautiful young woman. I am asking the people who have taken her to show some kindness, not to hurt her,” says Yakov Argamani.