Since the release of the last 20 living Israeli hostages from Gaza, details have begun to emerge about their medical conditions and the atrocities they suffered during their captivity, shedding light on the severe physical and psychological damage inflicted upon them. Media reports have highlighted that many of the survivors are showing signs of extreme starvation, marked by significant weight loss, and suffering from a range of health complications due to the harsh conditions they endured. Israel’s Channel 12 has reported that Avinatan Or, one of the released hostages, lost 30-40% of his body weight, indicating severe malnutrition during his captivity. He was also held in isolation for over two years, with limited access to news updates, and remained largely uninformed about the progress of the IDF mission that ultimately led to his rescue, according to international news outlets.
Elkana Bohbot, another of the released hostages, recounted being held in tunnels for the duration of his captivity, where he was frequently chained and subjected to poor living conditions. Although his release was marked by a rare moment of humanity, as he was allowed to shower on his wedding anniversary, he reportedly experienced stomach pain as a result of being force-fed towards the end of his captivity. Medical experts have expressed concern over the long-term effects of malnutrition, which can lead to severe vitamin deficiencies and weaken the immune system. Professor Hagai Levine, head of the health team at the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, emphasized the risks of refeeding syndrome, where rapid reintroduction of food to those who were starved can be potentially fatal. The medical teams in Israel are working to carefully reintroduce sustenance to the survivors to minimize the risk of life-threatening complications, ensuring proper hydration and nutrition to stabilize their health conditions.
The reports also include accounts of severe physical injuries sustained by some of the hostages during the initial attack on the Nova music festival, which led to their capture. Alon Ohel, for example, sustained a shrapnel injury to his eye, which could result in permanent vision loss, as reported by The Jerusalem Post. His parents described the extent of the injuries he sustained, with his hands, chest, and head covered in shrapnel, causing ongoing pain. Medical experts have noted that many of the hostages suffered from injuries that were never properly treated, leading to chronic pain, infections, and a decline in their physical condition. These injuries, combined with the lack of proper medical care, have left the survivors in a state of significant physical and psychological distress, highlighting the need for comprehensive medical attention and psychological support as they are reintegrated into civilian life.
Matan Angrest, another of the released hostages, reportedly underwent a medical procedure on his hands and fingers without anesthetic, causing additional complications. His mother, Anat Angrest, described the torture he endured at the beginning of his captivity because of his status as a soldier, with him being held in isolation for a prolonged period under the strict supervision of guards. These experiences, both physical and psychological, have left the hostages with long-lasting effects, underscoring the need for continued medical and emotional support as they navigate their return to normal life. The continued emergence of these details not only highlights the suffering of the hostages but also the critical need for ongoing care and advocacy for their well-being as they recover from the unimaginable ordeal they have endured.