Parents Detail Suffering of Freed Israeli Hostages from Hamas

Four female Israeli soldiers recently freed from Hamas captivity have recounted harrowing experiences of abuse, starvation, and psychological torment during their 477 days in Gaza. Parents of the hostages described how their daughters were forced to watch torture videos of male captives and were coerced into making propaganda videos, including faking their own deaths. The women endured varying conditions in underground tunnels and buildings, often moving locations and rarely seeing sunlight, while being subjected to intimidation by armed guards. They found solace in sharing stories and maintaining diaries despite the traumatic environment. Experts emphasize the importance of careful communication with the freed hostages as they confront the reality of their changed lives and the loss of loved ones. The full extent of their suffering remains unclear, with families cautious about revealing details that could endanger those still held captive in Gaza.