Hamas tortured hostages in Gaza, including minors - Israel's Ministry of Health

A new report from Israel's Ministry of Health, to be presented at the UN this week, is based on interviews with medical and social groups that treated more than 100 Israeli and foreign hostages. Most of them were released in late November 2023 during a brief ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Eight hostages were rescued by Israeli forces.

According to the report, more than 30 children and teenagers were among the hostages. Some were bound, beaten, or branded with a hot object.

Meanwhile, women reported sexual violence by their captors, including under the threat of a gun. Men, on the other hand, were beaten, starved, branded, kept bound in isolation, and denied access to bathrooms. Some were also denied treatment for injuries and illnesses.

The report does not include the names or ages of the hostages to protect their privacy. However, some descriptions match those provided by the hostages and personnel who interacted with them.

Hamas has repeatedly denied allegations of abuse against the 251 hostages abducted from Israel during its October 7, 2023, attack. Israeli authorities believe that approximately half of the 100 hostages still held in Gaza are still alive.

Reuters also notes that in recent weeks, there has been a renewed push for a ceasefire in Gaza, including a deal for the release of hostages, though no breakthrough has been reported yet.

Reuters further adds that the war began with the Hamas attack in October 2023, which, according to Israeli authorities, resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people, most of them civilians.

Notably, on Wednesday, December 26, Hamas and Israel are accusing each other of delaying the ceasefire. The two sides exchanged accusations despite recent progress in negotiations.