Freed Israeli Hostages Return Home, Share Harrowing Experiences in Gaza's Tunnels

Strategic Insights -

As Israeli hostages finally returned home after months of captivity in Gaza's tunnels, a picture of their harrowing experiences is emerging. Former captives, including Eitan Horn and Elkana Bohbot, have shared stories of malnutrition, physical abuse, and psychological trauma. Medical professionals have described the hostages as having "endured untold adversity" and requiring weeks, months, or even years of recovery.

Key Takeaways:

  • Former captive Eitan Horn lost approximately half his body weight and was forced to walk for 12 hours through Gaza's tunnels.
  • Another survivor, Elkana Bohbot, was severely malnourished and returned with stomach pain after his captors tried to fatten him up.
  • Released hostages were often held in dark, dank tunnels with little food and sometimes shackled.
  • Some captives were held alone for nearly two years, while others were forced to watch the sunset with their families after being released.
  • Avi Ohana, the father of Yosef-Chaim Ohana, said his son persuaded his captors not to kill him multiple times, citing his value as a prisoner alive.
  • Bar Kupershtein, a released hostage, credited "the Creator, the Father in Heaven" for his safe return, saying it took time to adjust to being home with his loved ones.

Statistics:

  • Approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including scores serving life terms, were released in exchange for the 20 living Israeli hostages.
  • The hostages were held captive for 2 years, with some being held alone for nearly the entire duration.
  • Hospitalized hostages at Sheba Medical Center were described as being in stable condition but requiring extensive recovery time.
  • Over 700 days is the approximate amount of time a hostage, Alon Ohel, had been held without music or play.
  • 10 former hostages are recuperating at Sheba Medical Center, another hospital, and in their homes.
  • Released hostages included Eitan Horn, Elkana Bohbot, Yosef-Chaim Ohana, Matan Angrest, and Bar Kupershtein, among others.
  • Hostages were exchanged for prisoners under the terms of a cease-fire deal that came into effect a week ago.

Sources:

  • "The New York Times"
  • Avishag Shaar-Yashuv for The New York Times
  • David Guttenfelder/The New York Times
  • Eitan Horn's sister-in-law, Dalia Cusnir
  • Elkana Bohbot's wife
  • Yosef-Chaim Ohana's friends
  • Prof. Itai Pessach, the vice president of Sheba Medical Center
  • Idit Ohel, the mother of Alon Ohel
  • Matan Angrest's mother