Israeli Hostages Share Stories of Starvation and Exploitation After Release

Four Israeli women have returned home after enduring 477 days of unimaginable captivity under Hamas. The hostages, all young IDF soldiers, were abducted from the Nahal-Oz base during the October 7 attack and subjected to brutal conditions, including forced labor, starvation, and exploitation.

The released women Karina Ariev (20), Daniella Gilboa (20), Naama Levy (20), and Liri Albag (19) shared details of their ordeal with Israeli authorities and media. Held in civilian homes and tunnels, they were often confined in total darkness, denied showers, and deprived of basic hygiene. Severe hunger and strict rules forbidding crying or even holding hands exacerbated their suffering.

Hamas reportedly used the hostages for forced labor, requiring them to cook and clean for their captors. Before their release, the women were paraded in fake Israeli Defense Force uniforms as part of a propaganda stunt. The captors also gave them "gift bags" in an apparent mockery of their plight.

Despite the horrifying conditions, some of the hostages managed to learn Arabic to communicate and were aware of protests demanding their release. Videos of the women’s abduction, showing them bloodied and being called degrading terms like “sabaya” (sex slave), sparked international outrage.

The return of the hostages brought immense relief to their families and the nation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed gratitude to the IDF and all involved in securing their release, calling it "a great day." Netanyahu reaffirmed the government's commitment to freeing the remaining hostages.

Social media was flooded with images and videos of emotional reunions between the women and their loved ones, symbolizing hope amid tragedy.

The release was part of an agreement that included the exchange of 90 Palestinian prisoners. In the first phase, additional hostages, including two Americans, Keith Siegel (65) and Sagui Dekel-Chen (36), are expected to be freed. However, the fate of 64 hostages still in Gaza remains uncertain as negotiations continue.

Naama Levy, one of the released women, was previously seen in a viral video being violently abducted. Though her brother confirmed she was not subjected to sexual violence in the early days of captivity, her condition during the months that followed remains unclear. Levy had a history of humanitarian service with organizations like the United Nations and the Red Cross.

Other hostages, like Karina Ariev and Daniella Gilboa, were similarly thrust into the spotlight. Gilboa’s boyfriend had planned to propose before her abduction, a heartbreaking detail highlighting the personal toll of this tragedy.

These stories illustrate the inhumanity of Hamas and the resilience of those who endured its cruelty. As Israel continues its efforts to secure the release of the remaining hostages, these young women’s return serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by such groups.

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