What’s new:

Eitan Yahalomi, a 12-year-old Israeli boy, was recently released from Hamas captivity where he was subjected to psychological torture, including being forced to watch footage of terrorist attacks. His aunt, Deborah Cohen, reveals the harrowing details of his ordeal following his release.

Why it matters:

The treatment of Eitan Yahalomi highlights the brutal tactics used by Hamas against hostages, which contradicts previous perceptions that the Palestinian militant group might be treating captives well. The incident raises grave concerns about the well-being of other Israelis still being held.

The details:

During his captivity, Eitan was made to watch a 45-minute documentary showcasing the Hamas terrorist attack on Kibbutz Kissufim, near his hometown of Nahal Oz. According to Cohen, any child who cried during the screening was threatened with a rifle to enforce silence, and Eitan was subjected to beatings.

Family’s plight:

While Eitan has returned home, his father, Ohad Yahalomi, remains a hostage, alongside approximately 160 other Israelis. The family’s relief at Eitan’s release is overshadowed by the fear for those still in captivity, as Eitan’s mother, Batsheva Yahalomi, recounts the day of the kidnapping, where she narrowly prevented the abduction of her two daughters but could not save Eitan.

Bottom line:

The psychological and physical abuse suffered by young Eitan at the hands of Hamas terrorists is a stark reminder of the ongoing dangers faced by Israelis near the Gaza Strip and the ruthless tactics employed by the militant group.

This story was first published on jpost.com.