Israel's Health Ministry is preparing to submit a landmark report to the United Nations documenting widespread abuse of hostages held in Gaza, based on testimony from those who have been released.
The comprehensive document, spearheaded by Health Minister Uriel Busso, compiles evidence of physical torture, psychological abuse, and sexual violence against civilians held captive since October 7.
"These testimonies serve as a wake-up call to the international community," Busso said Wednesday. "The world needs to see the reality of what hostages endured – and what those still in captivity continue to face."
Released hostages have described being systematically starved, denied basic medical care, and subjected to severe psychological manipulation. Many returned with dangerous levels of malnutrition, untreated injuries, and symptoms of severe trauma, according to the Hostages' Families Forum's medical team.
Amit Soussana, held for 55 days after being taken from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, provided harrowing testimony to UN officials about her captivity. "I was chained by my ankle, alone," she told the assembly. "The guard who assaulted me held a gun to my head in the shower. I knew exactly what he planned to do, and when it was over, I couldn't even cry."
Former Nova festival hostage Andrey Kozlov described being denied basic human dignity during his captivity. "For the first two days, they wouldn't even let me use a bathroom," he said. "They tied me up like a dog on a leash."
Prof. Hagai Levine, who heads the Hostages' Families Forum health division, emphasized that survivors face long-term challenges. "The physical and psychological impact of captivity requires comprehensive, ongoing support," he said. Many former hostages suffer from PTSD, with children showing particular developmental and behavioral difficulties.
The report will be submitted to the UN once its final version is complete, adding to mounting documentation of hostage treatment in Gaza.
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