Israel Health Ministry Reports Systematic Starvation, Abuse of Gaza Hostages

A series of reports from Israel's Ministry of Health reveal harrowing details about the conditions suffered by 12 hostages recently freed from Hamas captivity in Gaza. The hostages endured severe physical abuse, systematic starvation with moldy or worm-ridden food, contaminated water, and extreme deprivation of hygiene, often confined in cramped underground tunnels with little to no medical care. Survivors described relentless sexual harassment, humiliation, and psychological torture, raising serious concerns about lasting trauma and reproductive health damage among female captives. The reports warn that the health of those still held hostage is in immediate danger, with each day in captivity increasing the risk of irreversible physical and mental harm. Medical assessments documented untreated injuries, vitamin deficiencies, and life-threatening conditions resulting from prolonged neglect and abuse. Israeli officials stress the urgent need for international pressure to improve detention conditions and provide humanitarian aid to prevent further deterioration of the hostages' lives.