A comprehensive medical report released by the Health Team of the Hostages and Missing Families Forum reveals alarming deterioration in the physical and mental health of the 24 living hostages still held captive in Gaza after a year and a half.
A comprehensive medical report released by the Health Team of the Hostages and Missing Families Forum reveals alarming deterioration in the physical and mental health of the 24 hostages still held captive in Gaza after a year and a half.
The report, based on testimonies from recently released hostages, Hamas-published videos, and family information, documents severe malnutrition, untreated injuries, and ongoing psychological torture among all hostages.
Of the 24 living hostages, signs of life have been received for 20. At least eight of the hostages are described as having significant injuries, and five suffer from chronic illnesses or acute allergic reactions. Most are held in underground tunnels without daylight, fresh air, or basic living conditions.
According to the report: “This is a preventable death—one that could be avoided through medical and psychological care, and their immediate release from captivity.”
Prof. Hagai Levine, Head of the Health Team: “When examining the health of all the hostages together, a horrifying picture of life in hell is revealed. All of the hostages are subjected to inhumane physical and psychological torture and are at risk of death. Every one of them is a humanitarian case and must be rescued urgently.”
Other key findings include:
– Severe physical deterioration: Significant weight loss, extreme weakness, muscle atrophy, exhaustion, skin damage, and digestive issues among all hostages
– At least one-third suffer from untreated physical injuries including shrapnel wounds, burns, fractures, and nerve damage
– Multiple hostages with untreated pre-existing conditions such as asthma, chronic digestive disorders, and acute allergies
– Widespread psychological decline marked by depression, severe anxiety, distress, helplessness, and loss of hope
– Prolonged isolation, sleep deprivation, and systematic humiliation by captors
– Confinement in cramped tunnels with poor ventilation, extreme temperatures, and inadequate sanitation
