Former Israeli hostages’ accounts are pressuring authorities to save the ones still in captivity by Hamas.
The incident: Danielle Aloni and Sharon Aloni Cunio, along with their husbands, daughters, and other family members were kidnapped by Hamas fighters on October 7th, during a raid on their kibbutz in southern Israel.
* The hostages were released as part of an exchange for Palestinian prisoners late last month, with Sharon’s husband, David Cunio, and others still remaining in captivity.
* They described severe conditions with little food, poor hygiene, and emotional strain, especially for the children involved.
The aftermath: Medical experts reported that the freed hostages returned home with stable physical health but displaying signs of their ordeal.
* Most returnees lost 10 to 15% of their body weight, due to stress and limited food.
* Hygiene conditions were poor due to limited water availability; this led to skin rashes and lice in multiple patients.
* The mental health of the returnees, especially children, is a serious concern.
Current situation: Families of hostages and former hostages are speaking out to keep attention focused on the estimated 115 hostages still held by Hamas, among them several Americans.
* The Israeli Prime Minister’s office has revised the number of hostages believed to still be alive in Gaza, with recent estimates standing at 115, including about 20 dead.
* Negotiations to release more hostages failed last month, and Israel has since resumed its military offensive in Gaza.
* Netanyahu reassured that Israel will “spare no effort” to return the hostages.
View original article on NPR
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