What’s New:

Thirteen Israeli captives, including a child, his mother, and grandmother, were recently released from Hamas captivity in the Gaza Strip. After seven weeks in the hands of their captors, they have begun to share harrowing details of their experience.

Why It Matters:

The hostages’ testimonies provide a glimpse into the conditions and treatment faced while under Hamas control. Their stories shed light on the challenges Israel faces with security and the ongoing conflict with militant groups in the region.

The Details:

In an interview, Meirav Raviv, a relative of some of the hostages, revealed that while the group was not physically tortured, they endured periods without food and faced delays when requesting basic needs like bathroom access. The hostages were moved frequently, kept separate, and slept on benches rather than beds.

Official Response:

IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari emphasized the importance of gathering information from each released individual, noting that what they learned will remain confidential. Additionally, the Prime Minister’s Office’s National Public Diplomacy Directorate released the first official video of the captives’ return to Israel.

The Bigger Picture:

This incident underscores the volatile nature of the Israeli-Gaza relationship and the impact on civilians caught in the crossfire. It also highlights the ongoing efforts of the Israeli government to safeguard its citizens and manage public diplomacy in the wake of such events.

This story was first published on ynetnews.