The sister of a Hamas hostage claims her brother was first shot by terrorists, then taken to a Gaza hospital where he was executed in his bed before his body was hidden within the walls of a tunnel. Hanan Yablonka, 42, was among those taken hostage from the Nova Festival on October 7, 2023.
Avivit Yablonka Abady, Hanan's sister, detailed the events in London during the opening of the Nova Exhibition. She stated that her brother made a spontaneous decision to attend the festival, which he had never done before. While fleeing the festival with friends, their car was involved in an accident. Hanan exited his vehicle to check on the other driver when he was shot in the chest by terrorists. He was severely injured and dying.
According to Abady, terrorists then transported Hanan in a truck to a hospital in Gaza. She alleges that Hamas doctors, upon seeing his critical condition, shot him three times in the head, resulting in his death. His body was subsequently placed in a bag and concealed within the walls of a Hamas tunnel in Jabalia, northern Gaza, alongside other hostages.
Avivit Yablonka Abady stated that her family endured months of anguish, with authorities confirming Hanan had been taken to Gaza after 12 weeks. It took several more months to learn of his death. His body was recovered on May 24, 2024, during a special Israeli military operation. Due to the deterioration of his remains, he was identified by his teeth.
Hanan Yablonka, a divorced father of two, was among the approximately 413 people killed and 44 taken hostage from the Nova Festival during the Hamas attack on southern Israel. His friend, Israeli footballer Lior Asulin, and other friends were found dead near Mefalsim Junction, about 12 miles from the festival site. Hanan's bullet-ridden car was discovered nearby with his personal belongings inside.
The Nova Exhibition in London, which featured an interactive timeline of the October 7 attacks, drew over 40,000 visitors. Avivit Yablonka Abady was part of a contingent of survivors and families of victims who attended the exhibition.
Thousands attended Hanan's funeral in May 2024. His mother, Vered, spoke of the unimaginable horror of his death, while Avivit finds solace and hope in meeting former hostages and survivors.