Full Breakdown
Experiences of Freed Israeli Hostages in Hamas Captivity
10/31/2025, 12:39:52 AM
Hostage Conditions and Survival Tactics
Yosef Chaim Ohana, one of the Israeli hostages released after two years in Hamas captivity, recounted harrowing experiences during his time in Gaza. In an interview with Israel's Channel 12 News, Ohana described the extreme conditions faced by him and other captives, including forced consumption of food riddled with worms due to severe shortages. "If the border crossing was closed to them and they had no food, we had no food," he explained, highlighting the unpredictability of their captors' moods, which directly affected their access to food. Ohana articulated the dual nature of hunger he experienced: physical hunger from lack of food and mental hunger stemming from the fear of future deprivation.
Another freed hostage, Segev Kalfon, echoed Ohana's sentiments, emphasizing that the most torturous aspect of his 738 days in captivity was not physical abuse but relentless starvation. Kalfon described filtering small fish from contaminated water and consuming rice infested with worms, stating, "You just close your eyes and eat. What else would you do?" Both hostages illustrated the psychological toll of their captivity, where the constant threat of violence and starvation created a living nightmare.
Abduction and Captivity
Ohana's abduction occurred during the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas at the Nova festival, where he witnessed violence and chaos. He recalled being taken into Gaza, where he was greeted by captors who proclaimed, "You're our prisoner now." His captivity included time spent in tunnels, where he and other hostages were often subjected to beatings and psychological manipulation. Ohana described a moment when a captor threatened to kill him, but he managed to convince them to spare his life by arguing that his death would hinder the release of Palestinian prisoners.
Kalfon also shared insights into the psychological games played by their captors, who would let hostages choose among themselves who to harm, creating an atmosphere of fear and despair. He noted that the experience of being underground felt like existing in a "living grave," where the constant threat of violence and starvation loomed large.
Official Responses and Broader Implications
The release of hostages, including Ohana and Kalfon, was part of a ceasefire agreement brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, which involved the exchange of living hostages for Palestinian prisoners. This agreement has faced scrutiny, particularly regarding the handling of deceased hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed frustration over Hamas's failure to return all remains, accusing the group of violating the ceasefire. In response to the recent handover of remains that did not belong to the missing hostages, Netanyahu stated that Israel would take necessary actions to address the situation.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of the ceasefire agreement have raised concerns about the implications of negotiating with Hamas, particularly regarding the treatment of hostages and the ongoing violence in Gaza. Some Israeli officials have called for a more aggressive military response to ensure the safety of remaining hostages and to hold Hamas accountable for its actions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If they were in a bad mood, we had no food either.” — Yosef Chaim Ohana
- “It’s a hunger that you can’t get used to. It feels like the body is eating itself from the inside,” — Segev Kalfon
- “What, now you will take revenge on me to satisfy your people, but what about the prisoners who are waiting to be released in exchange for me in prison, to be released and see their family? If I’m dead, fewer prisoners will be released.” — Yosef Chaim Ohana
The experiences of Ohana and Kalfon shed light on the severe conditions faced by hostages in Gaza, raising critical questions about the treatment of captives and the broader implications of ongoing conflict in the region.
