Hostages Detail Torture, Unexpected Connections During Captivity in Gaza
Following their return to Israel, released hostages are beginning to share harrowing and, at times, surprisingly complex accounts of their experiences during months held captive by Hamas.
The ordeal of Avinatan Or, 32, who was abducted from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023, alongside his girlfriend Noa Argamani, has come into sharper focus. Or was held in isolation for two years, only meeting other released hostages on Monday. Medical examinations revealed he had lost 30% to 40% of his body weight. Upon his release, he immediately requested time with Argamani, with whom he shared “their first cigarette together after two years,” according to reports.
Other hostages experienced varied conditions. Omri Miran, 48, a father of two, was moved between 23 locations in Gaza, both above and below ground, yet reportedly developed a rapport with his captors, even cooking for them and playing cards. His brother, Nadav, told Ynet news site, “He looks pale, but his humour is the same… It feels as though he never left.” Elkana Bohbot, 36, an organizer of the Nova festival, spent much of his captivity chained in a tunnel but was allowed to shower upon request and reportedly viewed news footage of rallies demanding his release. However, not all experiences were positive; Matan Angrest, 22, a soldier, endured “very severe torture” during his initial months, according to his mother, Anat Angrest, who told Channel 12 that he was beaten until he lost consciousness. The psychological toll was also significant, with captors spreading disinformation about the war and the fate of hostages’ families – including falsely claiming his Holocaust survivor grandparents were dead. These accounts highlight the immense trauma experienced by those taken captive, and the long road to recovery that lies ahead. The Nova music festival, targeted in the initial Hamas attack, has become a symbol of the October 7th atrocities, and the stories emerging from the hostages offer a deeper understanding of the scale of the tragedy. The United Nations has condemned the attacks and called for the release of all remaining hostages.
Recent reports suggest a shift in Hamas’s treatment of some hostages as ceasefire negotiations progressed, with some being moved or receiving slightly improved conditions. Guy Gilboa-Dalal was transferred between tunnels in Gaza City and Gaza, and was reportedly force-fed in the last month. Twin brothers Gali and Ziv Berman were held separately and experienced fluctuating food supplies, with some captors communicating in Hebrew. The release of these hostages marks a significant, though incomplete, step toward resolving the crisis. The International Committee of the Red Cross continues to advocate for humanitarian access and the protection of civilians.
Israeli officials stated today that they are continuing to work towards the release of any remaining hostages and providing comprehensive support to those who have returned.
