Former Israeli Hostages Describe Hamas Torture Linked to Ben-Gvir's Policies

Several Israeli hostages freed from Hamas captivity have recounted severe abuse and torture during their imprisonment, including starvation, beatings, and physical torture linked to Israeli political developments. Bar Kuperstein described how Hamas captors deliberately denied food and subjected captives to brutal beatings, which intensified around the 270th day of captivity in direct connection to public statements by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir regarding Palestinian prisoners. Captors explicitly referenced Ben-Gvir's policies, warning that hostages would suffer similarly to Palestinian inmates in Israeli prisons, with incidents of tying legs to metal bars and inflicting severe pain. Ben-Gvir responded by rejecting claims that his remarks caused increased violence against hostages, arguing that the media is adopting Hamas's narrative and emphasizing that prison policies deterred terror attacks. Other freed hostages also reported enduring torture, humiliation, and medical neglect while in captivity, with ongoing recovery involving long-term therapy and rehabilitation. These testimonies highlight the complex interplay between political rhetoric and the treatment of hostages amid ongoing conflict.