Freed Israeli hostages show severe starvation, weight loss from Gaza captivity

Since the last 20 living ones were published Israeli hostages In Gaza, details have now emerged about their health and the horrors they endured in captivity. Similar to the previously released hostages, those who returned Monday also appeared thin, suggesting they were not adequately fed.

Avinatan Or, who was kidnapped from the Nova music festival along with his partner Noa Argamani, is believed to have starved to death during his captivity and lost 30-40% of his body weight, according to Israel’s Channel 12. Official medical documents also said Or was “thin and very weak.” According to Channel 12, Or was held in harsh conditions in the center of the Gaza Strip for most of the war.

In addition, Or was reportedly held in isolation for over two years and did not meet other prisoners until his release, it said The Times of Israelin which Israel’s Channel 12 was quoted. He also reportedly had little access to news and only learned about the IDF mission that led to the rescue of Argamani and three others until he was released from captivity.

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Elkana Bohbot, who was kidnapped while helping people evacuate the Nova music festival, was reportedly held in tunnels throughout his captivity, according to Channel 12. He was reportedly chained up for most of that time and was released from them on his wedding day when he was finally allowed to shower. Channel 12 reported that Bohbot was suffering from stomach pains upon his return because he had been force-fed during the last days of his captivity. He also suffered from pain in his legs and lower back.

“Doctors are particularly concerned about the long-term effects severe nutrient deficiency” Prof. Hagai Levine, health team leader at the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, told Fox News Digital, emphasizing the impact such a deficiency can have on vitamin levels.

In addition to the vitamin deficiency, doctors also fear the possibility that the hostages will develop refeeding syndrome, which can be fatal if not treated properly.

“There have been cases where hostages were reportedly fed before their release to make them appear healthier in propaganda videos. Such rapid or forced feeding after prolonged periods of malnutrition can be extremely dangerous. This is why.” medical teams “In Israel, we are reintroducing nutritional intake gradually and under close supervision to safely stabilize the body and prevent life-threatening complications,” Levine said.

Levine also said the months spent underground in tunnels caused the hostages to have “very low levels of vitamin D,” which can affect muscle function, bone strength and immune system problems.

“These spaces are small, hot, humid and often lack ventilation or basic sanitation. There is no natural light, so the body loses its natural sense of time. Many were chained or unable to move freely,” Levine told Fox News Digital.

“Physically, such an environment leads to rapid muscle and bone loss, severe fatigue and a weakened immune system. The lack of sunlight leads to vitamin D deficiency, which affects bones, muscles and even mood. Breathing in the humid air can trigger respiratory infections and skin problems,” he added.

Unlike Or, Bohbot appeared to have access to some types of media. Channel 12 reported that he saw his family members lobbying for his release in media reports from Hostages Square in Tel Aviv.

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Alon Ohel, who was kidnapped from a shelter after fleeing terrorists in Nova, reportedly suffered a shrapnel injury to his eye on October 7, 2023, which could result in permanent vision loss The Jerusalem Postin which the Israeli media Maariv was quoted. The outlet also noted that Ohel is reportedly at risk of losing his vision in his other eye.

According to The Jerusalem Post, Ohel’s parents said his left eye was in poor condition and his hands, chest and head were covered in shrapnel, causing him some pain.

Levine said medical reports and statements from captivity survivors show that many hostages who sustained injuries during the Oct. 7 attacks were never adequately treated. These injuries included burns, gunshot wounds and fractures.

“Aside from those who were physically injured, almost all experienced prolonged foreclosure of medical care, even for common illness or pain, resulting in infections, chronic ailments and general physical deterioration,” Levine told Fox News Digital. “The lack of basic medical treatment for such a long period of time has a profound and lasting impact on their health.”

Matan Angrest reportedly underwent a medical procedure on his hands and fingers without anesthesia, the Jerusalem Post reported, citing N12, Channel 12’s online arm. This reportedly caused further complications.

Angrest served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) when he was kidnapped while defending the Nahal Oz outpost. His mother, Anat Angrest, reportedly told Channel 12 that her son was subjected to “very severe torture” early in his captivity because he was a soldier, The Times of Israel reported. She also reportedly said that he was kept alone for a long time under special guard.

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More details about what the released hostages endured in Gaza, as well as information about their health conditions, are expected to be released over time.

While the 20 living hostages were returned to Israel, 24 bodies of deceased hostages still remain in the hands of Hamas. The terrorist organization was supposed to return the 28 bodies but has so far released only four.

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On Tuesday, Israel identified two of the four deceased hostages as Binpin Joshi and Guy Iluz. The identities of the other two deceased hostages, whose bodies arrived in Israel on Monday, have yet to be released.