Abdelrahman
On Saturday, three hostages were released, but their health was alarmingly critical due to extreme malnourishment, leaving them only “weeks away from cardiac arrest,” as reported by a security official to Maariv on Wednesday.
Or Levy, Eli Sharabi, and Ohad Ben Ami emerged in an evidently frail state, drawing parallels to the condition of Holocaust survivors. The security insider mentioned that “the condition of these soldiers and male hostages is the most severe” among those still alive.
This official further revealed that “the male hostages are enduring severe starvation, raising concerns over their survival prospects in the coming month or two.”
According to the source, Levy, Sharabi, and Ben Ami had each lost approximately 20% of their body weight.
The families of these hostages are deeply concerned about the well-being of their loved ones, recognizing that they are likely subjected to inhumane treatment by their captors.
Insights from an additional security source on hostage conditions
Another security source revealed that testimonies from the released male hostages suggest they were confined for extended durations in tunnels, often unable to move for days. They were only allowed to exercise shortly before their release to regain some physical strength.
Male hostages under the age of 50 are viewed by Hamas operatives as “soldiers of the occupying army,” which contributes to the harsher treatment they endure, including intimidation, physical and emotional abuse, and severe starvation, the source added.
