First testimonies shed light on the conditions endured by Hamas’ Israeli hostages
during their captivity in SYRIA. One Israeli hostage, who was released just days ago, said he was kept in isolation for the entire five years of captivity. He was subjected to psychological and physical torture, including beatings and week-long starvation. He was denied access to medical care, not allowed to bathe or change his clothes. He described his captors as cruel and lacking in humanity. He also revealed that he was threatened with death. The captors apparently informed him that he would be executed if any rescue operation were to take place. He said he spent most of his time thinking about his family, hoping he would be able to see them again one day.