The death of German-Israeli woman Shani Louk has been confirmed by Israel’s foreign ministry following a vicious attack in Gaza by Hamas terrorists. A video revealing her semi-naked body on the back of a truck surrounded by terrorists was widely circulated on social media, leading to the ministry’s recognition. “We are devastated to share that the death of 23-year-old German-Israeli Shani Louk has been confirmed,” Israel’s foreign ministry reported. Louk was reportedly abducted from a music festival near Kibbutz Re’im on October 7 when terrorists stormed the location, leading to the demise of over 260 individuals.
In the brutal Hamas terror attack that specifically targeted the festival among other areas of Israel such as towns and military bases on the same day, the casualty count was over 1,400, with 200 people reported kidnapped. Louk’s identification was made possible by distinct features like dreadlocks and tattoos. In a disturbing video, the young woman was shown stripped down to her underwear as Hamas gunmen grimly paraded her around.
Ricarda Louk, the mother of the victim, originally had hope that her daughter was still alive, despite a severe head injury, as reportedly cited by Palestinian sources. However, she later confirmed her daughter’s demise.
“Unfortunately we received news yesterday that my daughter is no longer alive,” she told German broadcaster RTL/ntv.
Confirmation from the Israel Defense Forces suggests the number of those kidnapped in the October 7 attacks stands at 239, excluding four hostages who have been released. In retaliation to the attacks, Israel has initiated an extensive airstrike operation in Gaza, claimed to have caused over 8,000 casualties.