URGENT UPDATE: A shocking report released by the Health Ministry details the harrowing experiences of 12 hostages freed from Hamas captivity. Shared with the International Committee of the Red Cross and global health organizations, the report reveals systematic torture and severe neglect endured during their ordeal.
The report, based on firsthand testimonies and medical evaluations, describes a nightmare of blindfolded marches through dark tunnels, exposure to worm-infested food, and months without basic hygiene. It emphasizes that these conditions constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law. The ministry is now calling for immediate support for those still held captive, warning that every passing day increases the risk of irreversible harm to their health.
The release of this report comes just days after terror groups circulated disturbing videos of hostages appearing emaciated, highlighting the urgent need for international attention on the plight of the remaining 50 hostages still held in Gaza. Families of the captives are also expressing outrage over a new Israeli government plan to take control of Gaza City, fearing it will endanger the lives of at least 20 hostages believed to be alive.
According to the report, the freed captives, who were among the 251 people abducted on October 7, 2023, during a major attack that left around 1,200 dead, are suffering from severe physical and psychological trauma. The report underscores a direct correlation between the duration of captivity and the lasting impact on the survivors’ ability to reintegrate into society.
These hostages were released during a two-month ceasefire from January to March 2025 and received medical care at several Israeli hospitals, including Shamir Medical Centre and Sheba Medical Centre. However, the conditions they endured were appalling. The report describes cramped living quarters, often no bigger than 21 square feet, where up to six captives were held in extreme discomfort.
Food shortages were rampant, with hostages reportedly receiving only one meal a day, often consisting of spoiled rice or pita, and many went days without proper nutrition. The report highlights that hygiene was nearly nonexistent, with opportunities for showers and clean clothing being extremely rare.
The health impacts are severe: captives lost between 15% and 40% of their body weight, suffered from untreated infections, and faced chronic pain from untreated injuries. The report reveals that many hostages are now dealing with lifelong health issues, including nerve damage and severe nutritional deficiencies.
The psychological toll has also been devastating. Prolonged isolation and psychological manipulation by captors contributed to intense trauma, with survivors reporting suicidal thoughts and the risk of delayed-onset PTSD. The report indicates that mental health recovery is complicated by the ongoing captivity of their fellow hostages.
As this alarming situation unfolds, the Health Ministry stresses that the well-being of those released remains precarious as long as others are still held in Gaza. The report calls for urgent action from international bodies to ensure the safety and health of remaining captives and to provide necessary support for those who have returned.
The implications of these findings are profound, revealing not only the potential for lasting physical and mental health effects but also the urgent need for humanitarian intervention. The plight of these hostages serves as a stark reminder of the brutal realities of captivity and the importance of immediate action to assist both the freed individuals and those still in danger.
Stay tuned for updates as this situation develops.
