Freed Israeli Hostage Details Improved Hamas Treatment After Trump Election

Omer Shem Tov, an Israeli hostage held by Hamas for over 500 days, revealed that his captors' behavior improved significantly after Donald Trump's election was confirmed in November. He stated that Hamas members were afraid of Trump and preferred Kamala Harris to win, but once Trump was elected, they treated him better by providing more food and ceasing abusive behavior such as cursing and spitting. Shem Tov described being intentionally starved during captivity, surviving mostly on one biscuit and salty water daily, and witnessing large amounts of food kept from him. He credited Trump with playing a crucial role in negotiating the release of hostages as part of a cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas. Shem Tov and other freed hostages met with Trump in the Oval Office, expressing gratitude and viewing him as a key figure in their release. These firsthand accounts highlight the political calculations of Hamas regarding U.S. leadership and the impact of Trump's involvement on hostage treatment and negotiations.