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    Yazidi Woman Kidnapped by ISIS and Held in Gaza for Over a Decade

    Fawzia Amin Sido, a 21-year-old Yazidi woman, was held captive by Hamas in Gaza for over 10 years after being trafficked by ISIS. She was kidnapped in 2014 when ISIS captured the city of Sinjar in northern Iraq.

    • ISIS carried out atrocities against the Yazidi community, including executions of men and boys, and sexual violence against women and girls.
    • Sido was moved around various locations across multiple countries after being kidnapped.

    From ISIS Captivity to Gaza: Fawzia Sido's Journey

    After being kidnapped by ISIS, Sido was trafficked to different locations, including Al-Hol camp in Syria and Idlib in 2019. She eventually ended up in Gaza, where she faced difficulties and harassment due to her Yazidi background.

    • She described life in Gaza as "unbearable," particularly after the Israel-Hamas war erupted in 2023.
    • Hamas allegedly harassed Sido due to her Yazidi background and her attempts to contact her family.

    Israel's Complex Operation to Rescue Sido

    The Israeli military successfully rescued Sido in a secret operation coordinated with the United States and other international actors. She was taken out of Gaza through the Kerem Shalom Crossing.

    • The IDF stated that Sido's captor was killed during an IDF strike in Gaza, allowing her to flee to a hideout.
    • Sido was transferred to Jordan via the Allenby Bridge Crossing, where she met her family in Iraq.

    The Role of the United States and Iraq in the Rescue

    The US and Iraq played a crucial role in Sido's rescue and repatriation. The US coordinated with partners in the region to facilitate her escape from Gaza.

    • The Iraqi government contacted the US and requested assistance in getting Sido back to her family.
    • The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Sido was freed after extensive efforts from Iraqi authorities working with American and Jordanian officials.

    Sido's Reunification with Her Family

    Sido was reunited with her family in Iraq after her harrowing journey. The Israeli diplomat, David Saranga, released a video of the emotional reunion.

    • Saranga emphasized the importance of Sido's story, highlighting the suffering faced by Yazidi children who are often taken against their will.
    • He labeled Sido's captor as a "Palestinian Hamas-ISIS member," highlighting the complex connections between these groups in the region.

    The ISIS Threat and Its Impact on the Yazidi Community

    Sido's rescue is a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by ISIS and its impact on the Yazidi community. ISIS continues to operate in the region, causing fear and insecurity.

    • Sido's story highlights the lasting trauma experienced by individuals forced to flee their homes and endure years of captivity.
    • The rescue operation underscores the international cooperation required to combat the threat of ISIS and bring perpetrators to justice.

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