Israel has drafted a report that details the abuse that hostages were subjected to, based on the information gathered from captives who survived Hamas’s captivity, and plans on submitting it to the United Nations, the media reported on Wednesday.
The report outlines the conditions in which the hostages who were released in a November 2023 deal were found. It also includes data on the state of the hostages that was recovered during military operations.
“These testimonies serve as a wake up call to the international community,” JFeed cited Health Minister Uriel Busso, whose ministry led the efforts in compiling the report, as saying on Wednesday. “The world needs to see the reality of what hostages endured – and what those still in captivity continue to face.”
Provided in the report are also extensive testimonies from released hostages regarding how they were deliberately separated from other kidnapped family members in captivity.
It also said that children who were taken hostage were forced to watch videos of the October 7 massacre, hostages underwent surgeries without anesthesia or proper medication, others were forced to soil themselves, and female captives were treated as slaves.
Hamas dupes UN health concerns
According to the report, shortly prior to the hostages’ release, Hamas increased their food portions to create the false impression that the hostages were kept under good conditions.
However, children reportedly lost between five and 10 kilos, while adults lost around 15 kg.
Along with highlighting the abuse suffered by hostages in Hamas captivity, the report also outlined hostages’ struggles after their release and return home.
It said that these individuals suffered from severe trauma, with many rarely leaving their homes and struggling to return to routines, including a fear of sleeping alone.
Dozens more still suffered from physical pain, and released children struggled with food, either hoarding it or eating less of it.