In a recent interview with the BBC, parents of Israeli women released from Hamas captivity opened up about the terrible ordeals their daughters faced, including starvation, intimidation, and forced labor. The hostages, including female soldiers, spent 15 months in brutal conditions, often without adequate food and subjected to the whims of armed men. Families revealed that their daughters drew on internal strength by sharing experiences and creating art. While some details remain elusive for fear of jeopardizing those still held hostage, the accounts underline the stark reality of the ongoing conflict.
Starved, Threatened, and Abused: Parents Share Heartbreaking Tales of Freed Hamas Hostages
Starved, Threatened, and Abused: Parents Share Heartbreaking Tales of Freed Hamas Hostages
Parents of Israeli hostages recount harrowing experiences endured by their daughters during captivity in Gaza, highlighting abuse and resilience.
In the aftermath of the unprecedented 7 October 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas, with 1,200 fatalities and 251 hostages taken, the parents detailed the appalling conditions of their daughters' captivity. Agam Berger, one of the hostages, endured threats and witnessed abuse among her fellow captives. Her father described how she had to endure the constant fear accentuated by male guards and how she maintained her dignity by refusing to work on the Sabbath.
The mothers and fathers of the released hostages articulated their agony upon seeing fabricated videos suggesting their daughters had died, which exacerbated the trauma of already frightening situations. As the war raged on, the conditions in Gaza intensified, with tens of thousands killed and numerous buildings destroyed, raising significant humanitarian concerns.
For these families, the focus has shifted towards supporting their daughters' recovery, who are now grappling with the psychological scars of their captivity. Some daughters managed to reclaim their identities during imprisonment; for instance, Daniella Gilboa, after drawing a butterfly symbolizing freedom, chose to tattoo it on her arm post-release.
As the families work through the healing process step by step, they emphasize the need for an ongoing ceasefire and an inquiry into the events leading up to the October attack. Amid the heart-wrenching pain of their experiences, stories of resilience shine through as these young women adjust to their freedom and reconnect with their loved ones.
The mothers and fathers of the released hostages articulated their agony upon seeing fabricated videos suggesting their daughters had died, which exacerbated the trauma of already frightening situations. As the war raged on, the conditions in Gaza intensified, with tens of thousands killed and numerous buildings destroyed, raising significant humanitarian concerns.
For these families, the focus has shifted towards supporting their daughters' recovery, who are now grappling with the psychological scars of their captivity. Some daughters managed to reclaim their identities during imprisonment; for instance, Daniella Gilboa, after drawing a butterfly symbolizing freedom, chose to tattoo it on her arm post-release.
As the families work through the healing process step by step, they emphasize the need for an ongoing ceasefire and an inquiry into the events leading up to the October attack. Amid the heart-wrenching pain of their experiences, stories of resilience shine through as these young women adjust to their freedom and reconnect with their loved ones.
