[go: up one dir, main page]

Jump to content

Israeli–Palestinian prisoner exchange

Page extended-protected
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

During the Israel–Hamas war, a series of exchanges were made between Israel and Hamas to exchange militant-held hostages for Palestinian prisoners. The negotiations were brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, and were part of a broader temporary ceasefire agreement. In Israel the deal was called "Operation Heaven's Door" ( Hebrew: דלתות שמיים ), and the subprogram for the rehabilitation of foreign citizens was called "Operation "Friendly Hand" ( Hebrew: יד אחות ).

Israel released 240 Palestinian prisoners, 107 of whom were between 14 and 17 years old, and three-quarters of whom had not been convicted of a crime, although some were awaiting trial in a military court.[1] In exchange, Hamas released 105 civilians, which included 81 people from Israel, 23 Thais and one Filipino.[2]

Background

There is a history of captive exchanges in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, the most notable being the Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange in 2011.[3][4]

Prior to the 2023 war, Israel held over 5,200 Palestinians as prisoners,[5] including at least 170 children.[6] About 1,310 Palestinians were held in Administrative detention, a practice that allows Israel to detain Palestinians indefinitely without charges or trial.[7][a] By November 2023, the number of Palestinian prisoners had increased to 10,000.[9] Following the deportation of several thousand detained Gazan workers, the Palestinian Commission for Detainees and Ex-Prisoners' Affairs placed the number at approximately 8,300.[10][11][12] Some have been convicted of terrorism by Israeli authorities; the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories describes many convictions as resulting from "a litany of violations of international law, including due process violations, that taint the legitimacy of the administration of justice by the occupying power."[13][14] In total, since 1967, Israel has arrested one million Palestinians; 40% of Palestinian males have been imprisoned by Israel at some point in their life.[6]

In November 2023, Palestinian militants held around 250 people from Israel, including Israeli nationals and non-Israelis following their capture during the Hamas-led attack on Israel.[15][16][17][13][18] Hamas officials listed the freeing of Palestinians from Israeli prisons as one of the primary motivations for the 7 October attack in Israel.[19]

Negotiations

Hamas offered a deal dubbed as "everyone for everyone" or "all for all" — a release of all hostages being held in Gaza in exchange for Israel releasing thousands of Palestinians in Israeli prisons.[20][21]

On 13 November it was reported that Hamas had told Qatari mediators that the group was willing to release up to 70 women and children hostages held in Gaza for a five-day truce and the release of 275 women and children held by Israel.[22]

On 22 November it was announced that Israel and Hamas had reached an agreement about a cease fire and the release of 50 hostages, in response the Israeli government would release 150 Palestinian prisoners. Hamas has acknowledged children would be the main component of the hostages released.[23][24]

On 2 December, a few days after the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas collapsed, Deputy Hamas chief Saleh Al-Arouri stated that no more prisoners/hostages would be exchanged with Israel until there was a ceasefire in Gaza.[25]

Israeli release of prisoners

22-year old Palestinian woman Ahed Tamimi was released by Israel.

As part of the negotiated exchange, 150 Palestinian women and children were released from Israeli prisons over the course of days.[26] By 28 November 2023, 180 prisoners had been released, chosen from a list of 300 held Palestinians.[27] Notable prisoners released included Israa Jaabis and Ahed Tamimi.[28][29] Israeli authorities fired tear gas at buses carrying the released prisoners.[30] By the end of the temporary truce, Israel released 240 prisoners, of whom 107 were under 18 and three-quarters had not been convicted of a crime.[1]

The Palestinian Prisoners Society stated more Palestinians had been arrested than released since the start of the ceasefire.[31] Al Jazeera reported that for every Palestinian released, there is another Palestinian arrested.[32] On 27 February 2024, a teenage boy released during the prisoner swap was rearrested by Israeli forces.[33] On 21 March, another teenage boy released during the swap was re-arrested during a raid on his family home.[34]

On 12 August 2024, 18 year old Tariq Daoud, who was released during the swap, carried out a terror attack, shooting and seriously wounding an Israeli man along with two Palestinians. He was shot dead by Israeli forces. [35] On 15 August 2024, one of the prisoners released during the swap was killed in an Israeli drone strike, as he was attacking Israeli forces, during a counter-terrorism operation in the Balata refugee camp.[36]

Status of prisoners

Many Palestinian prisoners are held in Israel under administrative detention, arrested for crimes such as speech and nonviolent protest.[37] An estimated 2,000 Palestinians are held in Israeli prisons without any charges against them, and those who are charged face a more than 99% conviction rate in Israeli military courts.[38][39] Israeli authorities, however, have labeled all the released prisoners as "terrorists"; they had been detained for "offenses related to Israel’s security", from throwing stones to supporting terrorism and attempted murder.[40][41] Of the 300 prisoners initially proposed for release, 124 were under 18, and another 146 are 18, with many of those having turned 18 in prison. Of the 240 prisoners released 107 were aged between 14 and 17; 104 boys, of whom 5 were 14, and 3 girls, all 16 and 17. The remaining 133 were adults; 65 men, all aged 18 except one who turned 19 in prison, and 68 women of various ages.[42][40]

On 24 January 2024, Israel re-arrested a teenager who had been released as part of the swap, which sparked outrage amongst Palestinian groups, including the Palestinian Prisoners' Society which called the boy's re-arrest a "blatant violation" of the terms of the swap agreement.[43] According to Israel the seventeen year old had engaged in "terrorist activities" after his release.[44]

Descriptions of prison conditions

The released prisoners described mistreatment and a lack of clean water and food in Israeli prisons.[45][46] One released prisoner stated "We've been tortured."[47] The released prisoners stated that conditions in Israeli prisons had worsened for Palestinians since the start of the conflict on 7 October, stating prison suppression units were beating prisoners daily.[48] A 17-year-old boy stated child inmates' blankets and pillows, spare clothes, and window coverings had been removed; Israel said that it was not aware of these claims, but claimed all basic rights accorded by the law had been applied and that "prisoners and detainees have the right to file a complaint which will be fully examined by official authorities".[49] A released female prisoner stated Israel had deprived inmates of food, medicine, and sleep.[50] One teenager described a prison doctor laughing when the boy asked for medicine for an arm injury.[51] Another teenage boy described being stripped naked and kicked by a prison officer wearing steel-toe boots.[52] Other released prisoners reported being tear-gassed, beaten, pepper-sprayed and threatened with guns.[53] Some, including the Palestinian writer and journalist Lama Khater, reported being threatened with rape and attacked by muzzled dogs.[54][55]

Amnesty International described "torture and other ill-treatment" in Israeli prisons since 7 October, and at least six inmates were killed.[56][57] An attorney at Addameer stated that since the 7 October attack, prisoners had been denied medical care, food and water, family visits, and lawyer visits.[58] The mother of one released Palestinian teenager called on the Red Cross to investigate Israeli prison conditions.[59] Testimony collected from released women by B'Tselem found they had faced extreme violence and even the threat of rape.[60]

Restrictions on speech and movement

The released Palestinian captives were warned by Israel in a statement from Israel's national security minister Itamar Ben Gvir, not to celebrate their release or they would be returned to prison.[61] The released prisoners were also barred from political activity, posting political content on social media, or going to any protests.[62] One released teenager was told by Israeli officials that he was "not allowed to leave my house, raise any signs or banners" and that if any of the rules were broken he could be re-arrested and leading up to his release his families home had been searched several times.[27] Israeli police fired tear gas on the families of prisoners and their supporters waiting outside Ofer Prison.[63] East Jerusalem residents reported a "crackdown" prior to the prisoners' release.[64] Israeli raids in Beitunia were reportedly conducted ahead of prisoner releases to prevent celebrations from taking place.[65]

Hamas release of hostages

Hostages released to the IDF on 25 November

On 24 November 2023, the Israeli government confirmed that 13 Israeli hostages were released.[66][67] Srettha Thavisin, the Prime Minister of Thailand, confirmed on social media that 12 Thai hostages were released from Gaza.[68] Later in the day it was reported that of the 24 hostages initially released on 24 November, the number included 13 Israeli citizens (of whom some were dual citizens), 10 Thai citizens and one Filipino citizen by the Qatar foreign ministry. Reportedly a number of Thai citizens were released outside of the truce agreement.[69] As of 30 November 2023, 105 civilians had been released, which included 81 people from Israel, 23 Thais and one Filipino.[2]

Handling of hostages

Hila Rotem, aged 13, embraced by her uncle, Yair Rotem, upon their reunion in the early hours of November 26, 2023, following her release. Her mother, Raya, remains a hostage in Gaza.

After being released hostages were transported through the Rafah checkpoint to Egypt before being transported to Israel. They are then taken to the Hatzerim base for processing and vetting before being triaged and sent to about 5 different hospitals. Specialists from the Israeli Ministry of Social Welfare and psychologists, developed instructions on how soldiers should behave in different situations when communicating with returned child hostages. A responder should not touch them without the child's consent, and to not answer the questions "Where is my mother? When will I see dad?" but state things such as: "Baby, honey, I'm sorry, I don’t know. My job is to bring you to Israel to a safe place where people you know will be waiting for you. They will answer all your questions." It was also suggested to use the child's name as much as possible when speaking to them.[70] Dietary guidelines were also created for those released and regulations about not questioning released children and only allowing female doctors to care for them were issued.[71]

Hostage conditions

The initial 24 hostages were all reported to be in "good condition"; later, it was reported that most were in good physical shape, but some had been ordered to remain in hospital.[72][73][74] Few of the released hostages have spoken of their experiences, but those who have recounted being kept in crowded spaces with little electricity and without mattresses. The hostages were fed in very sparse portions, with some being given a single piece of bread per day, or small amounts of chicken, rice, bread, canned hummus, cheese and tea.[75][76] Some child hostages were reportedly forced to watch footage of the 7 October Hamas attacks.[76] A 78-year-old released hostage told Channel 13, "We were OK."[77]

An 85-year-old woman stated to Time Magazine, "captives were treated well and received medical care, including medication. The guards kept conditions clean."[78] The aunt of a released 12-year old hostage said that the child was beaten by Hamas fighters, adding that crying children were threatened with guns to be silent.[79] According to a freed Thai hostage, the Israeli hostages held with him were abused by their captors, being beaten including with electrical cables. He added that they were all underfed, generally being given one pita a day, and were only allowed to shower once during the almost two months they were held;[80] according to the Israeli Health Ministry, some of the released elderly women had lost between 8 and 15kg during their time in captivity.[72]

The uncle of two child-hostages described them being "branded" with the exhaust pipe of a motorbike, in order to make it easier to recapture them should they escape,[81][82] as well as being drugged.[83] One of the hostages, Elma Avraham, went without her medication for 50 days; upon her release she was transferred to hospital "in a serious and life-threatening condition", with a pulse of 40 and a body temperature of 28 °C (82 °F); according to her daughter she was hours from death at the time she was released.[72][84] During a reportedly contentious meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, one released hostage stated the hostages were "terrified that it would not be Hamas, but Israel, that would kill us."[85]

Holding locations

The hostages were held in a variety of locations; some were held in Hamas' tunnel network, while others were held in civilian residences, commandeered from or reportedly offered by the local population. One of the hostages described arriving in a house that had been abandoned so quickly by its residents that the washing machine was still running,[72] while another described being held in an attic by an UNRWA teacher and a third claimed they were held by a Gazan doctor.[86] UNRWA responded, calling the report unsubstantiated and demanding that it be deleted. According to The Jerusalem Post, a Community Note on Twitter described the reported assembly of rockets in UNRWA schools and UNRWA teachers reportedly celebrating the massacres committed by Hamas on 7 October.[87]

According to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, female hostages were held in cages.[84]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ An additional 105 Palestinians were declared "unlawful combatants," an Israeli legal category which excludes the detained from prisoner of war status under article four of the Third Geneva Convention.[8]

References

  1. ^ a b Shao, Elena (December 2023). "Freed Palestinians Were Mostly Young and Not Convicted of Crimes". The New York Times. Retrieved 2 December 2023.
  2. ^ a b "8 Israeli hostages freed from Gaza at end of seventh day of truce". The Times of Israel. 30 November 2023. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
  3. ^ "Hamas to gain politically from prisoner swap deal", Xinhua News Agency, 20 October 2011.
  4. ^ Mishra, Harinder (12 October 2011). "Israel to release 1,027 prisoners for its lone soldier". IBN Live. Jerusalem. Archived from the original on 11 January 2012. Retrieved 16 October 2011.
  5. ^ Baker, Graeme (7 October 2023). "Palestinian groups have used soldiers as bargaining chips in the past". BBC News. Archived from the original on 16 October 2023. Retrieved 13 October 2023.
  6. ^ a b "Why are so many Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails?". Al Jazeera English. 8 October 2023. Archived from the original on 8 October 2023. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
  7. ^ Fayyad, Abdallah (22 November 2023). "Why Israel imprisons so many Palestinians". Vox. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
  8. ^ Bob, Yonah Jeremy (2 November 2023). "Israel holding some 6,000 Palestinian prisoners, 'unlawful combatants'". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 10 December 2023.
  9. ^ "What we know about the captives taken by Hamas". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
  10. ^ Lucas Lilieholm; Tamar Michaelis; Maija Ehlinger; Laura Paddison (29 October 2023). "Netanyahu under pressure from hostages' families and cabinet as Gaza operation escalates". CNN. Archived from the original on 6 November 2023. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  11. ^ Salman, Abeer; Elbagir, Nima; Arvantidis, Barbara; Platt, Alex; Ebrahim, Nadeen (22 November 2023). "Who are the Palestinian prisoners on Israel's list for potential release?". CNN. Archived from the original on 28 November 2023. Retrieved 29 November 2023.
  12. ^ Tahhan, Zena Al. "Israel arrests almost as many Palestinians as it has released during truce". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 29 November 2023. Retrieved 29 November 2023.
  13. ^ a b Vinograd, Cassandra; Kershner, Isabel (9 October 2023). "Hamas Took Scores of Hostages From Israel. Here's What We Know About Them". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 9 October 2023. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
  14. ^ "Dismantle Israel's carceral regime and "open-air" imprisonment of Palestinians: UN expert". OHCHR Press Releases. 10 July 2023. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
  15. ^ "Hamas plans to use Israeli civilian hostages as human shields". i24NEWS. 8 October 2023. Archived from the original on 10 October 2023. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  16. ^ "Images of the Mass Kidnapping of Israelis by Hamas". The Atlantic. 9 October 2023. Archived from the original on 10 October 2023. Retrieved 10 October 2023.
  17. ^ Fabian, Emanuel; Staff, ToI; Agencies (7 October 2023). "Israel confirms civilians and soldiers abducted by Hamas into Gaza". The Times of Israel. Archived from the original on 9 October 2023. Retrieved 10 October 2023.
  18. ^ Sherwood, Harriet (17 October 2023). "Hamas says 250 people held hostage in Gaza". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 16 October 2023. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
  19. ^ Pacchiani, Luca (7 October 2023). "Hamas deputy chief anticipates hostages will be swapped for Palestinian prisoners". The Times of Israel. Archived from the original on 25 October 2023. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  20. ^ "Negotiations ongoing for release of 10-15 Hamas-held captives, reports say". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  21. ^ Halabi, Einav; Eichner, Itamar; Turgeman, Meir (28 October 2023). "Hamas chief: all Israeli hostages for all Palestinian prisoners". Ynetnews. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  22. ^ Abdel-Razek, Omar; Abdel-Aziz, Moaz (13 November 2023). "Hamas armed wing says it discussed freeing 70 hostages in return for 5-day truce". Reuters. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
  23. ^ "TV report: Mothers and their children will be released together as hostage deal plays out". The Times of Israel. 22 November 2023. Retrieved 22 November 2023.
  24. ^ Kingsley, Patrick (20 November 2023). "Israel and Hamas Agreed to a Cease-Fire and Hostage Release. Here's What We Know". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 22 November 2023.
  25. ^ "Hamas says no prisoner exchange without Gaza ceasefire". Reuters. 2 December 2023. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  26. ^ Zilber, Neri (24 November 2023). "Who are the Palestinian women and children being freed under hostage deal?". Financial Times. Archived from the original on 25 November 2023. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
  27. ^ a b Gozzi, Laura (28 November 2023). "Boy, 14, and freelance reporter among Palestinians freed". Archived from the original on 29 November 2023. Retrieved 29 November 2023.
  28. ^ "Palestinians cheer as 39 prisoners freed from Israel". Yahoo! News. Reuters. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
  29. ^ Patil, Anushka (30 November 2023). "The activist Ahed Tamimi is among the Palestinians freed in the latest exchange". The New York Times. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
  30. ^ "Bus carrying released Palestinian detainees hit with tear gas: Witness". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  31. ^ Magee, Zoe. "More Palestinians detained than released during truce, rights group says". ABC News. Archived from the original on 29 November 2023. Retrieved 29 November 2023.
  32. ^ Basravi, Zein. "For every prisoner released, another Palestinian is arrested". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  33. ^ "Palestinian freed as part of November prisoner swap rearrested". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 28 February 2024.
  34. ^ Shawer, Mosab. "18-year-old Palestinian in Hebron arrested again after long-awaited release". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 23 March 2024.
  35. ^ https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-man-seriously-wounded-2-palestinians-hurt-in-west-bank-terror-shooting/
  36. ^ "IDF kills two, wounds four terrorists in Balata refugee camp in West Bank". 15 August 2024.
  37. ^ Fayyad, Abdallah (22 November 2023). "Why Israel imprisons so many Palestinians". Vox. Archived from the original on 25 November 2023. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
  38. ^ Goodyear, Sheena. "Why some advocates say all Palestinians detained in Israel are political prisoners". CBC. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
  39. ^ DeBre, Isabel. "In West Bank, Palestinians rejoice over release of women and minors from Israeli prisons". PBS. Associated Press. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
  40. ^ a b Shao, Elena; Zraick, Karen; Patil, Anushka; Gupta, Gaya (1 December 2023). "Freed Palestinians Were Mostly Young and Not Convicted of Crimes". The New York Times. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  41. ^ Tharoor, Ishaan. "How Israel keeps hundreds of Palestinians in detention without charge". The Washington Post. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
  42. ^ Scahill, Jeremy (26 November 2023). "Israel's Insidious Narrative About Palestinian Prisoners". The Intercept. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
  43. ^ "Hamas condemns rearrest of Palestinian teen freed in captives deal". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
  44. ^ Kim, Victoria; Rabin, Roni (25 January 2024). "Israel rearrests a Palestinian detainee who was freed in a hostage swap in November". The New York Times. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
  45. ^ Waghorn, Dominic. "Israel-Hamas war: 'We were treated like dogs' - released Palestinian prisoners complain of mistreatment". Sky News. Archived from the original on 27 November 2023. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  46. ^ "'We were humiliated': Freed Palestinian prisoner recounts ordeal during Israeli detention". Dawn. 25 November 2023. Archived from the original on 25 November 2023. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
  47. ^ "Released Palestinians recount harsh conditions in Israeli prisons". Al Jazeera. 25 November 2023. Archived from the original on 27 November 2023. Retrieved 27 November 2023.
  48. ^ "Released Palestinians say Israeli prison conditions even worse after 7 October". The New Arab. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
  49. ^ Ott, Haley. "Young Palestinian prisoners freed by Israel describe their imprisonment and their hopes for the future". CBS News. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
  50. ^ Stratford, Charles. "Prisoners describe 'horrific' conditions in Israeli jails". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 30 November 2023. Scroll down about 40% to see this entry on the day's live blog.
  51. ^ "Finally free, Ubai was among the last Palestinian detainees Israel released". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 5 December 2023.
  52. ^ Shawer, Mosab. "Hurt, scared but free now. Palestinian boy recalls abuse in Israeli prison". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
  53. ^ Srivastava, Mehul (30 November 2023). "The Palestinian teenagers suddenly freed from jail in Hamas hostage deal". Financial Times. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  54. ^ Williamson, Lucy (December 2023). "Released Palestinians allege abuse in Israeli jails". BBC News. Retrieved 14 December 2023.
  55. ^ Shawer, Mosab. "'Threatened with rape': Lama Khater recalls horrors while in Israeli jails". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  56. ^ "Horrifying cases of torture and degrading treatment of Palestinian detainees amid spike in arbitrary arrests". Amnesty International. 8 November 2023. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
  57. ^ Farraj, Basil. "The War on Palestinian Political Prisoners". The Nation. Retrieved 30 November 2023. Scroll down about 10% to see this entry on the day's live blog.
  58. ^ Najjar, Farah; Muro, Adam (1 December 2023). "Palestinians facing 'severe violations' in Israeli prisons: Lawyer". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 1 December 2023.Scroll down about 60% to see this entry on the day's live blog.
  59. ^ "Mother of prisoner to ICRC: Look into conditions inside Israeli prisons". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 1 December 2023. Scroll down about 5% to see this entry on the day's live blog.
  60. ^ "Hebron women recount horrors in Israeli detention". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 12 February 2024.
  61. ^ "Palestinians say life in prison got worse once war started". USA Today. Archived from the original on 29 November 2023. Retrieved 29 November 2023.
  62. ^ "Families of Palestinian prisoners prohibited from celebrating release of loved ones". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  63. ^ Goldbaum, Christina (24 November 2023). "In West Bank, Cheers and Worries After Prisoners Are Released". The New York Times. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
  64. ^ "'Crackdown' in occupied East Jerusalem ahead of Palestinian prisoners' release". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
  65. ^ Ibrahim, Nida. "Palestinians confront Israeli forces ahead of prisoners' release". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  66. ^ Tanyos, Faris; Reals, Tucker (24 November 2023). "Group of hostages released as temporary cease-fire in Israel-Hamas war takes effect". CBS News. Archived from the original on 26 November 2023. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
  67. ^ Jobain, Najib; Federman, Josef; Jeffery, Jack (24 November 2023). "Hamas frees first batch of hostages under truce, including 13 Israelis, officials and media say". Associated Press. Archived from the original on 24 November 2023. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
  68. ^ Masoud, Bassam; Laizans, Janis (24 November 2023). "Thailand says 12 hostages freed in Gaza; Israeli media report others being handed over". Reuters. Archived from the original on 24 November 2023. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
  69. ^ Neuman, Scott; Estrin, Daniel; Mann, Brian (24 November 2023). "13 Israelis are among the two dozen hostages freed by Hamas". NPR. Archived from the original on 24 November 2023. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
  70. ^ "Солдаты получили инструкцию для встречи детей-заложников: "На вопрос о маме не отвечайте"". vesty (in Russian). 22 November 2023. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
  71. ^ "Освобождение заложников: детей не опрашивать, лечить будут только женщины-врачи". vesty (in Russian). 23 November 2023. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
  72. ^ a b c d "'Threatened with guns, beaten': Hamas hostages reveal disturbing details of captivity". The New Zealand Herald. 3 December 2023. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  73. ^ Shoaib, Alia (25 November 2023). "Israeli hostages released by Hamas have undergone initial medical tests and are in good condition, says IDF". Business Insider. Archived from the original on 27 November 2023. Retrieved 27 November 2023.
  74. ^ "One freed elderly hostage being taken straight to hospital via helicopter". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
  75. ^ Adams, Paul; Baker, Graeme (28 November 2023). "Freed Hamas captives tell of fear, squalor and hunger". BBC News. Archived from the original on 28 November 2023. Retrieved 29 November 2023.
  76. ^ a b Rosman, Katherine; Bubola, Emma; Abrams, Rachel; Goldman, Russell (30 November 2023). "Hostages Freed From Gaza Recount Violence, Hunger and Fear". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
  77. ^ Goldenberg, Tia (28 November 2023). "Freed Israeli hostage describes deteriorating conditions while being held by Hamas". Associated Press. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  78. ^ Frankel, Julia. "As Freed Hostages Return to Israel, Details of Conditions in Captivity Emerge". Time Magazine. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
  79. ^ Hilaie, Sivan (28 November 2023). "'Forced to watch film of the atrocities. When a child cried, they were threatened with a weapon' - Eitan was alone in captivity for 16 days". Ynet News.
  80. ^ "Freed Thai hostage says Israelis held with him were abused, beaten". The Times of Israel. 30 November 2023. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  81. ^ "Hamas tortured and brandished child hostages with motorcycle exhaust pipe marks, claims family". Hindustan Times. 1 December 2023. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  82. ^ "Relative of freed captives say Hamas branded child hostages in case they escaped". The Times of Israel. 1 December 2023. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  83. ^ "Hamas drugged children; burned legs with exhaust for identification". The Jerusalem Post. 30 November 2023. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  84. ^ a b Isaac, David. "How were Hamas hostages treated? Cages, beatings and death threats". The Jewish Chronicle. London.
  85. ^ Eichner, Itamar (5 December 2023). "Hostage families have tense meeting with War Cabinet, say Netanyahu 'detached' from their concerns". Ynetnews. Retrieved 6 December 2023.
  86. ^ "Released hostage says he was held by UNRWA teacher in Gaza - report". The Jerusalem Post. 30 November 2023. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  87. ^ "UNRWA fact-checked after calling report about hostage 'unsubstantiated'". The Jerusalem Post. 3 December 2023. Retrieved 3 December 2023.