Freed Hamas hostages who were recently released from captivity are facing an unprecedented level of psychological abuse, according to a doctor treating them at Tel Aviv Medical Center.
Dr. Renana Eitan, who is part of the medical and psychological team responsible for caring for the survivors, has stated that the mental states seen in the former hostages have no precedent in medical literature. She claims that the level of abuse they experienced while in captivity is extremely severe and has left lasting effects.
These survivors have endured starvation, beatings, sexual abuse, inhumane living conditions, and extremely severe psychological torture, according to Dr. Eitan. Many of them were separated from their family members, including children being separated from their mothers and siblings from each other. They were forced to watch brutal videos and were constantly threatened with weapons even after their release.
In some cases, the hostages were held in solitary confinement and were subjected to long periods of complete darkness, leading to severe hallucinations. Eitan also claimed that the captors forced the hostages to take psychiatric drugs and other substances.
The doctor also expressed concern for those who may appear physically unharmed but are secretly dealing with severe post-traumatic symptoms. She stated that even those who may seem fine are still suffering from traumatic memories and may suddenly enter dissociative states where they feel like they are still in captivity.
According to the Israeli Ministry of Health, 73 Israelis and 24 foreign citizens have been released from Hamas since the terror attack that left 1,200 dead and 240 held hostage. However, there are still a significant number of hostages whose whereabouts and conditions remain unknown.
Dr. Renana Eitan, who doctor treated freed Hamas hostages in Israel, says survivors are suffering from an unprecedented level of “extremely severe psychological abuse” endured during captivity.#hostages #HamasTerrorists pic.twitter.com/WY1VDpSaMK
— Conservative Non-Conformist (@AlbertaBound9) December 5, 2023
Dr. Eitan has urged for the release of these remaining hostages as soon as possible, as she stated that they will face a long road of rehabilitation. The hospital is currently treating more than 15 former hostages and is making efforts to rewrite the textbooks on how to deal with such extreme cases of trauma.
This week marks two months since the attack, and the remaining hostages must be released and given the necessary treatment as soon as possible. The world must come together to condemn such acts of terror and work towards securing the release of these innocent individuals who have suffered unspeakable atrocities.
