What is happening:
Aviva Segal, a recently released hostage who experienced a traumatic capture by Hamas in Gaza, recounts in vivid detail her 31 days under severe conditions—including abuse, deprivation, and mental torture—not only towards herself but other hostages as well.
Why it matters:
The experiences shared by Segal convey a chilling view of Hamas’ treatment of captives. These accounts are essential in understanding the human rights abuses perpetrated by Hamas—the organization controlling Gaza—and bolster the case for Israel’s defense measures and global efforts to curb such terrorist activities.
The Details:
During a forum hosted by the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, Segal shared her painful experience being held under harsh conditions. She revealed that one of the young female hostages was handcuffed, beaten, and others were humiliated in front of their captors.
Her American husband Keith faced forced humiliation, as his capture extending beyond physical constraints to culturally insensitive and demeaning acts. The captors took pleasure in ridiculing him, a tactic intended to break down the spirits of those held.
Heart-Wrenching Testimony:
Further exacerbating the dire situation, Aviva depicted the prisoners’ battle for air in a deep underground tunnel, supplies critically limited to almost no water and food with barely enough oxygen to sustain life. Segal candidly communicated the dire need for breathing, an elementary human necessity brazenly denied.
Appeal for Action:
Stacking together her poignant narrative, Segal emphasized the ongoing plight of remaining captives, inducing empathy while moving for firm action. She galvanized her audience into recognizing the cruelties continued by not only her husband, these insights are vitally personal appeals seeking to spark global attention and intervention.
Call to Solidarity and Support:
Her courage in sharing these distressing memories aims to trigger a strong response against the terrorist administration in Gaza.
Community Response:
Aviva’s candid disclosure calls for profound solidarity and a push for the urgent return of all hostages still languishing under brutal conditions. Holding Hamas accountable for their actions is a requisite step in securing their immediate release and preventing future acts of inhumanity.
This story was first published on ynetnews.com.