Israel sends report to UN on ‘brutal’ treatment used by terrorists against hostages in Gaza

The recent report by the Israeli Ministry of Health submitted to the United Nations sheds light on the unimaginable suffering endured by hostages freed from Hamas captivity. The testimonies shared paint a grim picture of the atrocities inflicted on these individuals, including children who were bound, beaten, and scarred, women who were sexually assaulted at gunpoint, and men who endured torture and branding with hot metal.

The hostages’ ordeal included severe weight loss, infections, and other health complications due to unsanitary conditions. The systematic use of physical and psychological abuse as tools of oppression further exacerbated their suffering. Among those still held in captivity is Or Levi, whose wife was murdered during the Oct. 7 attack. His brother, Michael Levi, shared his anguish over the conditions faced by the hostages, including his own brother.

Despite ongoing negotiations, Or Levi is reportedly not considered a “humanitarian case” due to his age. Levi expressed frustration with the international community, particularly the United Nations, for their lack of action in addressing these crimes against humanity. He remains hopeful that President-elect Trump’s more aggressive stance could bring about meaningful change.

The Ministry of Health’s report highlights the urgent need for international intervention to free all hostages and hold Hamas and its supporters accountable for their actions. The severe physical and psychological trauma endured by the hostages underscores the necessity for specialized rehabilitation models to help them recover and reintegrate into society.

As the world grapples with the horrors revealed in the report, it is imperative that the international community takes decisive action to bring the hostages home and ensure justice for those who have suffered at the hands of Hamas. The time to act is running out, and the moral and humanitarian imperative to do so is clear.