Rimon Buchstab-Kirsht Recalls Confrontation With Captor in Gaza Release Video

Rimon Kirsht Buchstab, a survivor of Hamas captivity, shared in a rare interview the moment of her release from Gaza, which was captured on video and widely circulated. She described confronting her captor, Mustafa, telling him she recognized him despite his masked face and recalling everything he had done to her. She said, "Mustafa, if you think your mask means I don’t recognize you or remember everything you did to me, you’re very wrong." She added harsh words against Hamas and expressed defiance.

Buchstab also recounted a tense exchange with Red Cross personnel upon her handover, accusing them of arriving too late and questioning their sudden friendliness. Before leaving the van, she told the captors she was no longer afraid of them or anyone. She also encouraged fellow captive Merav Tal to stay strong, telling her to imagine the screams and whistles as signs of their resilience.

The interview, scheduled to air on Walla at 8 p.m. on Monday, reveals Buchstab’s detailed memories of nearly two months in captivity, including the exact dimensions of her cell, the number of steps between tunnel blast doors, and every abusive act she endured. Diagnosed as gifted in childhood, she described the extensive interrogations required to recount her ordeal fully. The full interview will provide a comprehensive account of her experience during the first hostage exchange deal.