Karen Shem, mother of 21-year-old Mia Shem, from Shoham, Israel, expressed her deep relief upon learning that her daughter had survived. Mia is one of the 200–250 prisoners that Hamas is reportedly holding captive in secret locations throughout the Gaza Strip.

In an emotional Monday interview with Israel’s Channel 13 news, Karen Shem said, “Thank God, my girl is alive.” She was shown a video during the interview that was allegedly recorded by Hamas and showed her missing daughter being treated for an arm injury by someone who wasn’t on camera.

Also read | ‘I am a prisoner in Gaza’: 21-year-old Mia Shem in video released by Hamas

Mia’s mother in an interview said, “My Mia is alive — I didn’t know that until just now. I fell on the ground, I need to watch it again. My Mia went to a party to have fun, to enjoy herself. I didn’t know if she was alive or dead until now.”

She pleaded with the world leaders to bring her daughter home safely, saying “I want Mia home exactly as she appears in this video.”

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“I’m pleading with everyone to bring my Mia home,” she said with fervor. And I beg that all 200 hostages return safely. Nobody has been harmed by any of them.”

Hamas released Mia’s video, where she can be heard saying, “I am a captive in Gaza. I received medical care from them, including a three-hour surgery. Everything is good, and all I ask is that you please get me back home as soon as possible to be with my family. Please, please, please get us out of here quickly.”

Also read | Who is Mia Shem? Hamas release video of 21-year-old Hostage | Watch Video

Following confirmation that Mia was indeed abducted by Hamas, the Israel Defense Forces have established communication with her family. In response, the IDF tweeted, saying: “Hamas abducted Mia last week. IDF officials have since informed Mia’s family and have been in continuous contact with them.