Israeli father reveals how his heroic daughter sprang into action to fight off Hamas gunmen and save her kibbutz

When the sound of explosives shattered the peace early on Saturday morning, many ran for cover – a standard drill for those used to exchanges of fire over the Gaza border.

As alarm sirens wailed at 6.30am, everybody in Nir Am – a kibbutz just 500 yards from the border – headed for the shelters. 

Inbar Lieberman, 25, joined them but she soon heard other ominous sounds and realised this was unlike the frequent rocket fire usually heard at the settlement.

She sprang into action, racing to unlock the town’s armoury and distribute guns to 12 fellow residents.

Rather than waiting to be attacked, Inbar – the kibbutz’s first female military security coordinator – was able to organise a response which made their settlement an impenetrable fortress.

Inbar Lieberman, 25, joined those heading for shelters but she soon heard other ominous sounds and realised this was unlike the frequent rocket fire usually heard at the settlement

Ofer Lieberman, her father, said: ‘The electricity went out because of the rockets and she ordered that the power not be restored so nobody could open the gates to the kibbutz. 

‘The security detail had woken up and she took the decision to arm them and place them in positions.’

She placed her squad in defensive positions across the kibbutz and devised ambushes. 

Minutes later, heavily armed Hamas gunmen approached. The team opened fire, killing two and injuring another before more attackers descended.

A fierce gun battle raged for about three hours before Israeli security forces arrived on the scene.

Inbar’s brave actions meant the group was able to thwart the advancing gunmen.

‘It was amazing. My husband was part of the standby unit that worked to prevent more casualties,’ said Ilit Paz, Nir Am’s cultural co-ordinator.

‘Inbar made a decision not to wait and be jumped operationally. The fact that they did it early prevented dozens of casualties.’

None of the residents was injured while a number of the attackers were killed – conflicting reports suggest as many as 25 bodies were later found.

Israeli woman Inbar Lieberman, 25, is hailed a hero for saving kibbutz Nir Am from Hamas

Inbar wrote on social media: ‘I still can’t make sense of everything… So many people are still in the field fighting for their lives, and there were a lot more, fighting next to me and around me.’

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