Story perspectives

Hostages Reveal Horrific Torture in Middle East Conflicts

11/6/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Elizabeth Tsurkov and Rom Braslavski described torture and sexual assault during captivity.
Elizabeth Tsurkov was held by Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq for more than two years.
Braslavski was abducted by Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza, where he was stripped, starved, and sexually assaulted.
Tsurkov credited U.S. officials for her release, highlighting the intervention’s role.
Braslavski’s ordeal underscores the broader suffering of hostages in the ongoing conflict.

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Story summary

Elizabeth Tsurkov and Rom Braslavski described torture and sexual assault during captivity.
Elizabeth Tsurkov was held by Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq for more than two years.
Braslavski was abducted by Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza, where he was stripped, starved, and sexually assaulted.
Tsurkov credited U.S. officials for her release, highlighting the intervention’s role.
Braslavski’s ordeal underscores the broader suffering of hostages in the ongoing conflict.