Israeli Hostages Endure Two-Year Hamas Captivity Amid Starvation, Abuse

The recent release of 20 Israeli hostages from Gaza after nearly two years in captivity has revealed harrowing conditions endured under Hamas. Survivors were reportedly confined in small cages, pits, and underground tunnels where they suffered severe physical abuse, malnutrition, and psychological torment, including starvation used as a weapon and forced witnessing of violence. Many hostages, including soldiers, faced brutal beatings and psychological torture, with some being force-fed before release, leading to serious medical complications. Relatives described the captives' recovery as a long and difficult process due to the extensive trauma. Separately, reports detail harsh conditions in Israeli prisons for Palestinian detainees, including physical abuse, overcrowding, and unsanitary environments, illustrating widespread human rights violations on both sides. Meanwhile, Palestinian anti-Hamas activists face severe repression within Gaza, highlighting the broader context of suffering and authoritarian control amid ongoing conflict.