Medical Concerns for the Released Hostages, Arbel Yehud Was Mostly in Isolation for 482 Days

The prolonged captivity of hostages in Gaza, lasting approximately 18 months, has raised significant concerns about their health. Reports indicate that their diet consisted mainly of bread, and limited portions of rice, and there have even been suspicions of them being forced to drink seawater in place of potable water. 

Hostages endured harsh hygienic conditions, a complete lack of sunlight, and insufficient basic nutrition. These conditions fail to meet the human body’s fundamental needs, especially over such an extended period, leading to multi-system damage and severe health deterioration. 

A lack of sunlight over an extended period results in severe vitamin D deficiency. This essential vitamin helps maintain bone health by regulating calcium and phosphorus levels. Prolonged deficiency causes bone mass loss, an increased risk of fractures, impairs immune function, increased susceptibility to infections, and has been linked to autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

Furthermore, released hostage Arbel Yehud, was held captive in solitary confinement for 482 days, and she described the harsh conditions of her captivity with very little food and being held mostly underground, Israeli media reported.  

According to the report, she suffers from malnutrition and the terrorists treated her cruelly. The first thing she said to those who met her was, “I was mostly alone.” Arbel was exposed to very little media during her captivity, but what little she was exposed to included the fact that her brother Dolev was murdered in the Hamas attack on her community. (JPost/VFI News) 

“Dear God, we pray that You heal Arbel Yehud and all the other hostages from the medical conditions they suffer because of their confinement. We pray in Yeshua’s name that You heal their bodies, hearts, minds, and souls, and that You lead them beside still waters. We also pray that You help them forget all the horrifying memories from their captivity and comfort them during this trying period. May You strengthen them and their families so they do not lose hope but rejoice again in You in the days to come.”