Families of four Israeli women freed from Hamas captivity reveal the severe conditions their daughters faced, including starvation and intimidation, while stressing their resilience through shared experiences and creative outlets.
Daughters of Captive Israeli Hostages Share Harrowing Experiences After Release from Hamas
Daughters of Captive Israeli Hostages Share Harrowing Experiences After Release from Hamas
Parents recount the traumatic experiences their daughters endured during their captivity, including starvation and physical abuse, as they adjust to life post-release.
Parents of four young Israeli women recently released from Hamas captivity in Gaza have shared chilling accounts of their daughters' traumatic experiences. The women, who were kidnapped on October 7, 2023, from the Nahal Oz army base, endured severe psychological and physical abuse, including starvation and threats at the hands of their captors.
Orly Gilboa, mother of Daniella Gilboa, noted that her daughter received proper nutrition only in the final months of her 15-month ordeal. The parents described how the hostages were kept in subterranean tunnels and various shelters, with their treatment varying drastically among locations. Shlomi Berger, father of Agam Berger, explained that the hostages' access to food fluctuated from good to very poor, as the women "just tried to survive" during their uncertain captivity.
The hostages were coerced into participating in Hamas propaganda, including reenacting death scenes for videos, further compounding their trauma. They found moments of strength and solace in sharing stories, drawing, and maintaining diaries to cope with their harsh reality. Despite their suffering, the details of their ordeal are still unfolding, as their parents worry about revealing information that might jeopardize those still held in Gaza.
The terrorist group's unprecedented assault on Israel resulted in nearly 1,200 casualties and 251 hostages, leading to a staggering toll in Gaza with over 48,230 reported deaths since. So far, a total of 16 Israeli and five Thai hostages were exchanged for over 600 Palestinian prisoners under a ceasefire agreement.
Mr. Berger disclosed that Agam and the other women endured physical abuse while witnessing other hostages being tortured in front of them. The parents expressed their anger over the severe conditions their daughters faced, revealing instances of humiliation and disrespect from their male captors.
The emotional toll was significant; Daniella had to endure a staged execution video to manipulate her family's emotions and instill fear. Her father, Mr. Gilboa, articulated the pain of seeing similar footage and fearing the worst about his daughter's fate. The attack on the Israeli army base proved more traumatic for the hostages than their time in captivity.
As the women adjust to life after release, they dream of mundane pleasures like getting haircuts and enjoying sushi. Daniella has even tattooed a drawn butterfly that symbolizes her freedom on her arm. The families continue to learn about the full extent of their daughters' experiences while emphasizing the importance of awareness around the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, seeking justice for their loved ones and continued efforts for peace in the region.
The parents are calling for transparency regarding the circumstances surrounding their daughters' abductions, advocating for a more thorough investigation into the events leading up to the attacks. They also remain committed to raising awareness of the plight of other hostages yet to be released, urging continued support and dialogue to prevent further violence.
