For the first time, Hamas has returned the bodies of Israeli hostages.
As part of the initial phase of the ceasefire that began on January 19, Hamas has thus far released 19 hostages alongside the four bodies handed over today, while over 1,100 Palestinian prisoners have been freed.
Last week, the parents of four young Israeli women who were liberated from Hamas captivity in Gaza shared with the BBC the harrowing experiences their daughters endured. They described how their daughters were starved, intimidated, threatened by armed men, and forced to cook and clean.
The women found solace by sharing stories, drawing, and keeping a diary.
None of the women have spoken to the media since their release, and their parents note that the complete extent of their ordeals is still coming to light. Additionally, some details remain undisclosed to avoid jeopardizing the safety of hostages still in Gaza.
Three of the four women whose parents spoke to the BBC were soldiers kidnapped by Hamas from the Nahal Oz army base near Gaza on October 7, 2023.
Parents of four young female Israeli hostages freed from Hamas captivity in Gaza have told the BBC about how their daughters were abused, including being starved, intimidated and threatened by armed men, and forced to cook and clean.
They recounted how the hostages were held in underground tunnels and buildings, witnessed physical abuse and were made to participate in Hamas propaganda videos, including, in one case, by faking her own death.
They said the women found strength through sharing stories, drawing and keeping a diary.
None of the women have given interviews to the media since their release, and their parents say the full details of what they endured are still emerging. There are also things they can’t speak about due to fears it could put the hostages still in Gaza at risk.
