Reader discretion is advised: The following piece contains disturbing content and testimonies from hostages held by Hamas.
A new report from the Israeli Ministry of Health submitted to the United Nations details severe atrocities suffered by hostages held by Hamas since the October 7, 2023, attacks. Testimonies from freed hostages describe physical, psychological, and sexual abuse, alongside extreme deprivation.
Two children revealed being bound, beaten, and scarred during their captivity. Other victims reported deliberate burns inflicted with heated objects, leaving permanent injuries. Women described horrifying sexual assaults, often at gunpoint, and men shared accounts of torture, including branding and severe beatings. Unsanitary conditions led to infections, gastrointestinal illnesses, and significant weight loss, with some children losing up to 18% of their body weight.
The report highlights extensive psychological trauma among survivors. Hostages were isolated, subjected to degrading treatment, and forced to witness acts of violence. Survivors exhibit symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Children, in particular, show signs of developmental regression and heightened anxiety.
Dr. Hagar Mizrahi, head of the Ministry’s Medical Directorate, emphasized the devastating impact of these experiences. Survivors face long-term rehabilitation challenges requiring specialized, multidisciplinary care.
Currently, 99 hostages remain in Hamas captivity under dire conditions. Among them is Or Levy, whose wife was killed during the October attack. His brother, Michael Levy, expressed frustration with international inaction, criticizing the United Nations for what he perceives as an indifference to the crimes committed by Hamas. Michael shared his anguish over his brother’s suffering in captivity and called for a stronger global response.
Negotiations to free the hostages continue, with President-elect Donald Trump vowing severe consequences for Hamas if the hostages are not released before his inauguration. Michael Levy remains cautiously optimistic about Trump’s more aggressive approach, suggesting increased pressure on Hamas and its backers, including Qatar, Turkey, and Iran, could yield results.
Israeli Health Minister Uriel Busso urged global leaders to address the issue with urgency, calling the report a “wake-up call” for the international community. Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations also criticized the organization for its perceived neglect of the hostages’ plight.
The report includes detailed accounts of the abuse suffered and recommendations for long-term rehabilitation strategies for survivors. Israeli officials stressed that freeing the remaining hostages is a moral imperative and demanded greater international intervention to pressure Hamas.
