Nearly 550 days after Hamas terrorists stormed into Israel on October 7, 2023, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum has released a harrowing medical report that tears back the curtain on the nightmarish conditions faced by those still held captive in Gaza. Based on eyewitness testimonies, released hostage accounts, and Hamas propaganda footage, the report details a descent into darkness that survivors and families say is worsening by the day.

Fifty-nine hostages remain in Gaza, including the body of a soldier held since 2014. Of those, only 24 are believed to be alive—surviving in a state of physical and psychological torment that pushes the limits of human endurance.

“Time is running out, and every additional moment in captivity puts their lives in terrible danger,” the report says.

The report paints a picture of hostages bound by their hands and feet, suspended upside down, burned, starved, and beaten. Many are kept underground for weeks or months at a time—chained, blindfolded, and stripped of daylight, fresh air, or any sense of time.

Survivors of captivity describe total isolation. Some have had no contact with other Israelis or even knowledge of whether their loved ones are still alive. All are malnourished; many suffer from untreated infections, skin diseases, and injuries. Digestive issues—vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration—are rampant, a direct result of undrinkable water, filthy conditions, and total lack of medical care.

At least eight hostages are suffering from visible injuries. Five have preexisting conditions like asthma and severe allergies—yet none have received treatment. One captive, Elkana Bohbot, who suffers from chronic respiratory disease, is believed to be at risk of death due to the lack of medication.

Every one of the 24 believed living hostages is battling serious psychological disorders. The report cites widespread anxiety, depression, PTSD, and catatonia. Prolonged isolation, sleep deprivation, constant threats, and sensory deprivation are corroding their mental states.

Ziv and Gali Berman, twin brothers taken on October 7, were split apart and are suffering from extreme psychological strain. Ziv, who sustained a head injury during IDF shelling early in the war, remains untreated. Nimrod Cohen, the lone survivor of a tank crew, has reportedly stopped speaking entirely, consumed by grief and depression.

“Every additional day in captivity is a potential death sentence,” the Forum warned. “A preventable death.”

Alon Ohel, abducted from the Nova music festival, is chained, starving, and at risk of total blindness.

Matan Angrest, dragged from a burning IDF tank, has facial injuries possibly indicating neurological damage.

Guy Gilboa-Dalal, once healthy, now appears emaciated and dehydrated to the point of losing his ability to speak.

Rom Braslavski, who suffers from severe allergies and scoliosis, was taken without his glasses. No word has come from him in over a year.

Many captives were young civilians, but Hamas treats nearly all male hostages as soldiers due to their age. This has resulted in particularly brutal treatment, especially for those suspected of military service.

Of the 24 living hostages, Israel has received proof of life from 20 since the war began. But information on their current health is dangerously scarce. The Forum says concern is growing “by the hour” for the remaining four.

“The information collected paints a very worrying picture,” the Forum said. “The hostages are being held in inhumane conditions, suffering severe physical and mental abuse, and their health and mental states are rapidly deteriorating.”

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)