After the jubilation in Israel over the return of the last Gaza hostages, harrowing accounts of their time in captivity are emerging. The hostages, held in tents and tunnels, describe torture, starvation, and psychological warfare, though some also recall moments of co-existence with their captors.
Avinatan Or, 32, was abducted from the Nova music festival and held alone for two years. He lost between 30% and 40% of his body weight due to starvation, and was terrified throughout his ordeal. Upon release, he reunited with his girlfriend Noa Argamani, who was freed by Israeli forces last year.
Omri Miran, 48, a shiatsu massage therapist and father of two, was held in 23 different locations above ground and in tunnels. His brother Nadav said Miran cooked for his captors, who loved his food, and spent most days playing cards with them. He was reunited with his daughters on Monday.
Elkana Bohbot, 36, one of the Nova festival organisers, spent most of his time chained in a tunnel, losing all sense of time. He insisted on showering on his wedding day, and his captors eventually relented. He was able to see news of his family appealing for his release.
Matan Angrest, a 22-year-old soldier, experienced severe torture, including beatings that caused loss of consciousness, according to his mother Anat. He was confined in a small, dark tunnel for the last four months. His captors lied to him, claiming his Holocaust-survivor grandparents were dead, and subjected him to psychological warfare.
The accounts suggest a change in Hamas's approach in recent weeks as ceasefire talks progressed. Some hostages were moved from tunnels to other locations just weeks before their release.
