Freed Hostages Recount Horrifying Conditions Under Hamas Captivity

In the early hours of Sunday, three Israeli hostages Sagi Dekel-Chen, Sasha Troufanov, and Yair Horn were released after enduring 498 days of captivity in Gaza. Their return has shed light on the severe physical and psychological torment they faced at the hands of Hamas and its allied factions.

Family members, relaying information cleared for publication by military censors, described the hostages’ experiences. Sagi Dekel-Chen was subjected to physical torture and bears visible scars from his time in Hamas captivity. He was kept in alone for extended periods, deprived of basic necessities, and endured relentless psychological abuse.

Sasha Troufanov was held in solitary confinement by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Troufanov faced extreme isolation. To cope, he taught himself to speak and read Arabic.

Yair Horn was initially held alongside his younger brother Eitan, Horn was separated early in captivity and has had no contact since. He suffered physical abuse and was subjected to psychological manipulation, including misinformation about his family’s fate.

The hostages were confined in cramped, dark spaces with minimal ventilation. They received meager food rations, leading to significant weight loss and malnutrition. Medical care was virtually nonexistent, exacerbating their physical suffering. The constant threat of violence and death loomed over them, instilling deep-seated fear and anxiety.

Hamas employed various tactics to break the hostages’ spirits. They were fed false information about their loved ones, leading to emotional distress. Some were forced to participate in propaganda videos, coerced into making statements under duress. The isolation and uncertainty took a severe toll on their mental health, with some hostages reporting symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Upon their release, the hostages were immediately hospitalized for medical evaluation and treatment. Beyond addressing physical ailments, mental health professionals are providing support to help them process their traumatic experiences. Reuniting with families is both joyous and challenging, as both hostages and their loved ones navigate the complex path to healing and reintegration.

While these three individuals have regained their freedom, many hostages remain in captivity. Their families continue to endure unbearable uncertainty. The US and Israeli governments, in collaboration with international partners, is intensifying efforts to secure the release of all captives.