The Horrific Conditions Endured by Hostages Released from Hamas Captivity
(Amir Levy/Getty Images)
Hamas, the brutal terrorist group responsible for the recent massacre of Israeli civilians, has released some of its hostages as part of a ceasefire agreement. However, the accounts of the released hostages paint a harrowing picture of their time in Hamas captivity.
According to the Yeshiva World, the hostages were subjected to beatings with sticks during their abduction, resulting in many of them having bleeding wounds upon their release. The Times of Israel reported that 12-year-old Eitan Yahalomi, a dual citizen of Israel and France, was among those beaten. Yahalomi’s aunt revealed that Hamas “monsters” and other Gazans assaulted him and forced him to watch videos of their brutal Oct. 7 massacre. The terrorists even threatened him and other children with rifles to keep them silent.
Upon their release, the hostages were found to be suffering from malnutrition, electrolyte imbalances, and substantial weight loss, as reported by the Israeli newspaper Maariv and the Times of Israel. They were forced to sleep on rows of chairs tied together and had to wait for hours to use the bathroom.
Hamas has released 81 of its 240 hostages, including 60 Israelis and 21 foreign nationals, in exchange for the release of 150 Palestinian prisoners by Israel. All of the hostages were held captive for at least 50 days. The World reported that the terrorists only allowed the hostages to wear a change of clothes on the day of their release in an attempt to deceive observers into thinking they were well-cared for.
It appears that Hamas kept the hostages in its extensive network of Gaza tunnels, as described by Adina Moshe, who had to readjust to sunlight after being in darkness for seven weeks. Some hostages required serious medical care upon their release, including 84-year-old Alma Abraham, who faced a life-threatening condition.
Disturbingly, Hamas forced the released hostages to perform scripted acts while being handed over to the Red Cross, aiming to portray themselves as the “good guys.” This propaganda effort has unfortunately found support among certain left-wing Americans, including government officials, powerful think tanks, university students, and professors, as documented by the Washington Free Beacon.
What were some of the basic necessities that hostages were deprived of while being held captive by Hamas?
Ing in severe physical injuries. They were deprived of basic necessities such as food, water, and proper medical care. Many of them were confined in small, overcrowded cells with little to no ventilation. The hostages also reported being subjected to emotional and psychological torture, including constant threats, humiliation, and verbal abuse.
One hostage, who wishes to remain anonymous for their own safety, recounted the horrifying experience of being held captive by Hamas for several months. They described being blindfolded and restrained for most of their time in captivity, constantly in fear for their life. The hostage mentioned witnessing other hostages being tortured and even killed by their captors.
Not only were the hostages subjected to physical and psychological abuse, but they were also used as bargaining chips by Hamas. The terrorist group demanded the release of their own members in exchange for the freedom of the hostages. This blatant disregard for the value of human life is deplorable and further highlights the immoral nature of Hamas.
These shocking accounts shed light on the true nature of Hamas, an organization that claims to fight for Palestinian rights but instead inflicts terror and suffering upon its own people. The international community must condemn such actions and hold Hamas accountable for its crimes against humanity.
The United Nations and other relevant international bodies have a responsibility to investigate these allegations and bring justice to the victims of Hamas captivity. The systematic abuse and mistreatment of hostages cannot go unpunished. It is essential that those responsible for these crimes face consequences for their actions.
Furthermore, countries around the world should reassess their relationship with Hamas and take decisive actions to isolate and condemn the group. Providing support or legitimacy to an organization that systematically abuses and tortures its own people is not only ethically wrong but also undermines efforts for peace and stability in the Middle East.
In conclusion, the horrific conditions endured by hostages released from Hamas captivity illustrate the barbarity and disregard for human life that this terrorist group represents. The accounts of torture, abuse, and neglect highlight the urgent need for justice, accountability, and international condemnation. It is crucial that the international community takes a strong stand against Hamas and works towards dismantling this brutal organization for the sake of peace, justice, and the protection of human rights.