(Jerusalem Post) Shir Perets - Hostages who returned from Hamas captivity in Gaza endured beatings, isolation, deprivation of food and water, branding, hair-pulling, and sexual assault, an Israel Health Ministry report to be submitted to the UN revealed Saturday. The food and water they had access to were of poor quality, leading to multiple cases of malnutrition and illness. Most released hostages returned home to discover their families had been murdered by Hamas and their homes had been destroyed. Numerous hostages have been suffering from survivor's guilt. Two children reported that they were bound together and beaten throughout their captivity, and two additional children were found with burn marks consistent with branding on their lower limbs. Many hostages of all ages and genders described undergoing sexual abuse at the hands of their captors. "The severe physical and mental states of the returnees offer the world a glimpse into the widespread atrocities committed by Hamas," said Dr. Hagar Mizrahi, head of the Health Ministry's medical directorate.
2024-12-29 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive