Parents of Hostages Describe Ordeal with Hamas

tel aviv - Families reveal harrowing accounts of their daughters' captivity and mistreatment by Hamas militants.

Parents Speak Out

Families of four Israeli women share details of the 15-month-long hostage situation with Hamas. The women endured hunger, abuse, and threats during their captivity.

Surviving in Captivity

The hostages, including Agam Berger, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Romi Gonen, were held in underground tunnels and frequently moved locations. They faced varying conditions and were subjected to intermittent periods of starvation and adequate food supply.

Emotional Toll

The women coped by sharing stories, drawing, and keeping diaries. However, they endured mental strain and physical deterioration, losing significant weight during captivity. The families recount the distress of seeing staged videos suggesting harm to their loved ones.

Threats and Resistance

Hostages witnessed violence and were threatened by armed captors. Agam Berger's defiance on the Sabbath and outspoken nature led to clashes with the militants. Despite harsh conditions, the women found solace in occasional glimpses of family members in the media.

Post-Release Challenges

Upon return, the women struggled to vocalize their experiences due to trauma and restrictions imposed by Hamas. Naama Levy's dramatic abduction and Romi Gonen's physical injuries added to the psychological toll of their ordeal.