All articles tagged with #israeli hostage
A released Israeli hostage, Rom Braslavski, publicly accused his captors in Gaza of sexual assault and other abuses during his two-year captivity, highlighting the severe treatment and trauma faced by hostages in the conflict. The allegations come amid ongoing reports and investigations into sexual violence in the Gaza conflict, with official denials from Palestinian groups and international organizations calling for accountability.
Luis Har, an Israeli hostage held captive in Gaza for 129 days, endured his ordeal through storytelling and imagination. He and his fellow captives were taken by Hamas during an attack on southern Israel, and he was eventually rescued in a dramatic Israeli commando raid. Har's resilience and coping mechanisms, including sharing stories and finding strength in folk dancing, have helped him navigate life after captivity. He advocates for negotiating with Hamas to secure the release of the remaining hostages, emphasizing the importance of bringing them home.
Israeli hostage Amit Soussana has spoken out about the sexual and physical abuse she suffered during her 55-day captivity in Gaza, including graphic details of assault, beatings, and torture at the hands of her captors. The United Nations has acknowledged the sexual violence and abuse suffered by hostages, with over 100 still remaining trapped in Gaza, and has agreed to investigate the October 7 attack. Hamas and its supporters had previously denied the allegations, but the UN report found clear and convincing evidence of sexual violence, including rape and torture, against hostages.
Israeli lawyer Amit Soussana, taken hostage by Hamas, has become the first to publicly speak about the horrific abuse she suffered, including routine beatings and sexual assault by her captors during her 55 days in captivity. She was sexually assaulted by a Hamas guard just days after being abducted, and endured relentless abuse and injuries. Despite reporting the assaults upon her release, Hamas has cast doubt on her claims, while a UN report indicates that other hostages may have suffered similar abuse.
Amit Soussana, an Israeli lawyer, has publicly stated that she was sexually assaulted and tortured during her captivity in Gaza, making her the first former hostage to do so. She was abducted from her home, held alone in a child's bedroom, and subjected to sexual abuse by her guard, who also physically assaulted her. This revelation comes after a U.N. report found evidence of "conflict-related sexual violence" against some hostages in Gaza.
Judith Raanan, an American-Israeli mother, recounted the harrowing experience of being captured by Hamas militants along with her daughter and held as hostages for two weeks before their dramatic release. She described the terrifying moments of their capture and how she tried to reassure her daughter during their captivity. Raanan also shared how she kept her composure by praying and singing to her daughter while being held captive.
Chen Almog Goldstein, an Israeli woman held captive by Hamas in Gaza, described the emotional abuse and suffering she and her children endured during their 51-day captivity, following the murder of her husband and daughter. She detailed the humiliation and intense supervision by their captors, as well as the fear of being killed either by their captors or in the Israeli bombardment of Gaza. Almog Goldstein and her surviving children were released in late November as part of a prisoner swap, but she urged for the release of the remaining hostages, emphasizing the dire situation in Gaza.
Adina Moshe, a 72-year-old Israeli woman held captive by Hamas militants for nearly 50 days, revealed harrowing details of her captivity, including being held in a dark, humid tunnel where she met a Hamas leader and endured dire conditions. She was taken captive from Kibbutz Nir Oz and freed in late November as part of a deal that saw roughly 100 hostages released in exchange for a temporary cease-fire and the release of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Her account sheds light on the difficult conditions endured while in Hamas captivity, and she expressed concern for the remaining captives, fearing some may not be alive.
Sharon Aloni Cunio, a former Israeli hostage held captive by Hamas in Gaza, recounts her harrowing experience at a hospital in Gaza where she and her family were held alongside dozens of other hostages. Despite Hamas denying her account, she describes the harsh living conditions and separation from her husband, David, who remains captive. Aloni Cunio's release was bittersweet as she was forced to leave David behind, and she is now advocating for the release of him and other hostages still in Gaza.
Yarden Roman-Gat, an Israeli hostage who was recently released after 54 days in captivity in Gaza, is now fighting for the return of her sister-in-law, Carmel, who is still being held by Hamas. Yarden and her family were taken hostage during an attack on Kibbutz Be'eri, which resulted in the death of Alon's mother and the disappearance of Carmel. Yarden's husband, Alon, is determined to bring Carmel back and fears for her well-being. Despite the release of over 100 hostages, approximately 130 remain in captivity. Yarden shared her harrowing experience of being held captive, including being paraded as a trophy and enduring constant fear and uncertainty. The family is advocating for the release of all hostages and is determined to bring Carmel home.
A released Israeli hostage has recounted the horrors of being held captive by Hamas, revealing that at least three women were sexually assaulted by their captors. The hostage described the complexity of the situation, fearing that they were being sacrificed for strategic purposes. She also shared the emotional toll of losing family members and witnessing the physical and sexual abuse of others. The hostage emphasized the urgent need to rescue the remaining captives, who are in dire need of medical and psychological care.
An elderly Israeli hostage, Margalit Moses, revealed that Hamas terrorists removed her oxygen machine while she was held captive in the tunnels. Moses spoke out at an emotional demonstration demanding the Israeli government negotiate with Hamas for the release of the hostages. Families of the missing lit candles at a table set up in their honor, expressing their anguish and calling for their loved ones' freedom. Another freed hostage, Adina Moshe, highlighted the dire conditions faced by those still trapped, including lack of proper medication and deteriorating food supplies. The families and supporters pleaded for the safe return of the hostages and expressed solidarity in their struggle.
Sahar Baruch, an Israeli hostage taken by Hamas during their October 7 attack, has died according to his kibbutz. Over 130 hostages are still in captivity, and Israeli warplanes continue to strike the Gaza Strip. The kibbutz and the Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters are demanding the return of Baruch's body as part of any hostage exchange agreements. The death toll in Gaza has risen to over 17,400, with more than 46,000 wounded in the past two months.
The families of Israeli hostages held captive in the tunnels beneath Gaza are growing increasingly desperate as the war with Hamas intensifies. Among them is Rachel Goldberg, whose son Hersh Goldberg-Polin was taken hostage during a terror attack at a music festival. During a meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel's war cabinet, the families urged for immediate negotiations with Hamas for a new ceasefire. Goldberg-Polin's father expressed hope that the hostages would be freed soon, while his mother pleaded for her son to stay strong, assuring him that they are coming for him.
The parents of Omer Wenkert, an Israeli hostage suffering from a chronic illness, have criticized the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for their lack of action in providing life-saving medication to their son. Despite contacting the ICRC shortly after the abduction, the organization only recently requested a meeting with the parents. The meeting was described as strange, with the ICRC stating they have no means to reach the hostages and advised against bringing Omer's medications. The parents expressed their disappointment in the ICRC's lack of concern for Omer's medical condition and their belief that the organization has no power or influence to help.