Testimony of 4 Israeli soldiers freed from Hamas captivity: ‘There were periods with no food’

The 4 feminine Israel Protection Forces (IDF) troopers, who labored as observers alongside the Israeli-Gaza border, returned to Israel from Hamas captivity on Saturday. They shared a part of their experiences with Israeli media, detailing troublesome circumstances throughout their 477 days in Gaza. 

“There have been durations when there was no meals, when the IDF attacked close to, and it was scary. We supported each other, and we strengthened each other,” the ladies shared. 

The energy displayed by the 4 returning troopers was evident from the second that Hamas introduced them out of the automobiles throughout the launch ceremony on Saturday. From the frilly preparations made by Hamas for the occasion, it was clear the fear group meant to make some type of show of the group’s energy and management of the scenario. 

In line with studies in Hebrew media, the ladies instructed relations that they have been decided to indicate energy and composure throughout the ceremony, realizing that Hamas meant the ceremony to humiliate them. 

“We confirmed them on the stage that we weren’t fazed,” Kan TV information quoted one in all them as telling household and mates. “It had no affect on us. We’re stronger than them.” 

Nonetheless, the 4 ladies, who have been taken captive by armed terrorists after struggling bodily abuse on Oct. 7, 2023, demonstrated energy, resilience and unity throughout the launch ceremony — holding arms, smiling and waving to the crowds and cameras. 

After the troopers returned to Israel, it turned clear that their present of energy was not a results of good therapy by their captors. 

In line with the temporary statements launched to the media, the ladies had a troublesome time throughout their 477 days of captivity. 

They reported being forbidden to carry arms or to cry when held collectively. The ladies weren’t given constant meals and have been held in unsanitary situations, even going months with out showering. 

The ladies have been apparently not all held collectively throughout your entire captivity. Some have been even saved in civilian residences for a part of the time whereas spending the remainder of their captivity in tunnels. 

When the time for his or her launch got here, the ladies have been notified solely shortly earlier than and solely then realized that Agam Berger wouldn’t be freed with them. Reportedly, one of many ladies supplied to remain behind with Berger however was refused by Hamas. 

In line with N12 information, the 4 ladies instructed the household of Agam Berger that they may come to stick with her within the hospital when she is launched on Saturday. 

For the primary few weeks after their captivity, the observers have been held in civilian residences in Gaza, the place they have been typically compelled to cook dinner and clear for his or her captors, even when not given meals for themselves. When being transferred from one place to a different, the ladies have been disguised as Palestinian ladies to keep away from discover by Israeli forces. 

The ladies reported having met “very senior Hamas folks” throughout their captivity. 

Their captors additionally used psychological torture in opposition to the ladies, informing them of the killing of the three hostages mistakenly shot by the IDF, and telling them, “That is what is going to occur to those that attempt to escape.” 

Nonetheless, regardless of their situations, the ladies heard radio broadcasts often or noticed Al Jazeera TV broadcasts which spoke of the hostage demonstrations in Israel. They knew their households have been working for his or her launch. 

Throughout their captivity, the ladies even discovered some Arabic. Public broadcaster Kan reported that when the ladies have been transferred to an IDF helicopter for the journey to the hospital, they joked with the troopers, telling them to talk Arabic so they might perceive. 

A medical supply concerned in receiving the troopers stated, “The ladies exuded resilience on stage in entrance of the terrorists in Gaza. That is an inside energy, that even when it seems that the terrorists gave them medication, the resilience they confirmed can’t be defined on this manner.” 

Throughout earlier hostage releases in November 2023, Hamas is reported to have given medication to the hostages to make them seem completely satisfied and pleasant throughout the handover. No studies of the hostages launched on this settlement having obtained medication have been launched thus far. 

This text was initially printed by All Israel Information.