Burned, Beaten, Starved: Health Ministry Compiles Hostage Testimonies to Submit to UN
The Health Ministry has completed a draft report on the abuse that Israeli hostages suffered while held in the Gaza Strip, cataloging the physical and mental suffering they experienced and the lasting effects it has had on them, some of whom are children.
Israel plans to submit the report to the United Nations. Compiled from the testimonies of hostages who were released in a November 2023 deal and those who were later rescued by Israeli forces, it details how they were burned and beaten, starved and humiliated, as well as how the abuse impacted their mental and physical health, even long after they were freed.
Two Israeli media outlets reported details from the brief on Thursday, December 26. It marks the first formal report by the Health Ministry about the hostages’ experiences.
Compiled by the health and welfare ministries, the final report is to be presented to the United Nations committee that deals with cases of torture.
Health Minister Uriel Buso said in a statement it is “a significant report that depicts the atrocities that hostages suffered and reveals to the world the cruelty of the enemies we are dealing with.” (TOI / VFI News)
“Our Heavenly Father, we pray fervently for all the former and current hostages, for the restoration of their physical and mental health in Yeshua’s name. We ask that You comfort them, show them Your Love, and bring the release of all the remaining hostages. Please, get them out of Hamas’ lairs as soon as possible according to Your Will.”
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