Former hostages, recently released by Hamas, are shedding light on the challenging conditions they endured during captivity, including food shortages and darkness. This comes as over 50 hostages have been freed in the past few days, offering some of the first firsthand accounts since their abduction on October 7.
Ruthy Munder, 78, who spent her captivity with her daughter Keren and grandson Ohad Munder-Zichri, shared her harrowing experience with Israel’s Channel 13. According to Munder, the initial days involved meals consisting of “chicken with rice, canned food, and cheese,” with sleeping arrangements limited to plastic chairs.
Tea was provided in the morning and evening, and the children received sweets. However, the situation changed when economic conditions deteriorated, leading to hunger among the captives. Munder’s husband, Avraham, also 78, remains in Gaza after being taken hostage, while her son lost his life in the Hamas attack.
In the confined space where they were held, boys stayed up late conversing, while some girls cried, and certain boys resorted to sleeping on the floor. Munder described the room as “suffocating,” and captives were prohibited from opening the blinds, although she managed to crack open a window to alleviate some of the oppressive conditions. The hostages’ ordeal sheds light on the challenging circumstances faced by those detained by Hamas, offering a glimpse into the difficult days endured during their captivity.
