An Israeli man held captive by Hamas for 121 days has given a chilling account of his ordeal, describing being treated "like an animal" and subjected to relentless psychological torture during his four-month imprisonment in Gaza.
Eliyahu Margalit, 76, was among several hostages released by the militant group in recent months, but his detailed testimony reveals the brutal reality of captivity that many endured.
The Moment of Capture
Margalit was seized from his home in Kibbutz Nahal Oz during Hamas's devastating October 7th attacks, which saw approximately 1,200 Israelis killed and around 240 taken hostage.
"They broke into my home and dragged me away," Margalit recounted to Israeli media. "From that moment, my life became a nightmare of uncertainty and fear."
Life in Captivity
The elderly hostage described being moved between multiple locations throughout his imprisonment, never knowing when or if he would see freedom again.
"We were treated like animals, not human beings," Margalit stated. "The psychological torture was constant - the threats, the uncertainty, the complete loss of control over our own lives."
Medical Neglect and Harsh Conditions
Margalit, who requires regular medication for pre-existing health conditions, revealed that his captors frequently withheld his essential drugs as a form of punishment and control.
"They would deny me medication arbitrarily," he explained. "It was another way to break our spirit and remind us we were completely at their mercy."
The Emotional Toll
The psychological impact of his captivity remains profound. Margalit described the mental anguish of not knowing his fate and being used as a pawn in the wider conflict.
"The worst part was not knowing if I would ever see my family again," he shared. "Each day blended into the next in a haze of fear and desperation."
Ongoing Crisis
Margalit's release comes amid ongoing efforts to secure the freedom of remaining hostages. Israeli authorities estimate that approximately 130 captives are still being held in Gaza, though many are feared dead.
The conflict has taken a devastating toll on both sides, with Gaza health officials reporting over 28,000 Palestinians killed since hostilities began.
International Response
The hostage situation has drawn international condemnation and intensified diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire agreement that would include prisoner exchanges.
World leaders have repeatedly called for the unconditional release of all remaining hostages and emphasized the importance of protecting civilian lives on both sides of the conflict.
