Freed Hostages Recount Torture by Hamas in Gaza

Israelis recently released from Hamas captivity in the Gaza Strip have begun to share the horrific details of their ordeal. Their testimonies describe a relentless chain of severe physical and psychological suffering they were forced to endure for months.

According to the released hostages, they were subjected to systematic cruelty. Physical violence included beatings, being burned on their bodies, and being kept in chains. Many suffered from severe malnutrition, going hungry for days. Medical assistance was almost non-existent, and even serious injuries sustained during the October 7 attack, such as fractures or shrapnel wounds, were not properly treated.

The psychological pressure was no less brutal. The captives were held in isolation, in darkness, deprived of sunlight. The militants tormented them psychologically, claiming that the state of Israel no longer existed and mocking them by leaving them in uncertainty about the fate of their family members. Immediately before their release, the hostages were forced to smile for the cameras and praise their captors, creating a scene of false goodwill.

Cases of sexual violence were particularly brutal. UN reports state there is "clear and convincing information" that female captives were subjected to rape and sexualized torture.

The released hostages are now under the care of doctors and psychologists, trying to overcome both their physical injuries and the psychological consequences of their captivity.