Tragic Tales of Survival: Israeli Families Share Hostage Ordeals from Hamas

In interviews, families of four female Israeli hostages describe the traumatic experiences endured by their daughters during 15 months of captivity by Hamas. The women faced starvation, abuse, and psychological torture in dark tunnels and buildings, finding strength in solidarity despite the horrific conditions. Their return marks the beginning of healing for both them and their families, with ongoing concern for others still held in Gaza.

Parents of four young women released from Hamas captivity have provided harrowing details regarding the abuse and neglect faced by their daughters during their time held in Gaza. In a series of accounts shared with the BBC, the families recounted experiences of starvation, intimidation, and forced labor that included cooking and cleaning.

The women, who were taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023, were held in various underground locations and subjected to physical abuse, all while being coerced into making propaganda videos. They found comfort in each other's company, expressing their experiences through drawings and journaling. Although they are now safe, their parents warn that full accounts of their ordeals are still trickling out, with deeper fears over the safety of those who remain captives.

Among the hostages were three female soldiers kidnapped from an Israeli army base, who faced different conditions depending on location. Shlomi Berger recounted that his daughter Agam, while initially facing starvation, eventually received more food in the final months. "It was a good tunnel, it could be a bad tunnel," he remarked, highlighting the variability in their treatment.

The horrific treatment included grueling physical conditions and emotional wear, with many of the women forced to witness the torture of fellow captives. Mr. Berger emphasized how dehumanizing this was for Agam and shared how she resisted by refusing to work on the Sabbath.

The emotional toll of the abduction's trauma extended beyond captivity, as Naama Levy found solace in glimpses of her family on TV, which reignited her hope. Yoni Levy noted, “This traumatic event is something she talks about the most,” referring to the initial attack that resulted in her daughter’s capture.

On top of losing 20% of her body weight during captivity, Romi Gonen's recovery is complicated by an injury from her abduction at the Nova music festival. Her mother, Meirav, shared the pain of not knowing the full extent of her daughter’s ordeal.

Despite the struggles they faced, the young women displayed remarkable resilience, often finding ways to narrate their experiences and dream of post-release life, such as haircuts and sushi. Daniella Gilboa has even chosen to memorialize her hope for freedom through a tattoo.

As both survivors and families seek to piece together their lives, they concurrently advocate for the continued understanding of the plight of individuals still held in Gaza, urging attention to the complexities of this ongoing tragedy. The reunion moments, filled with relief and emotion, offer a glimpse of healing to come.