With the January hostage agreement between Israel and Hamas underway , details are emerging about the horrific conditions endured by freed hostages during their plus days of captivity.
Three civilian women released on January 19βEmily Damari, 28; Romi Gonen, 24; and Doron Steinbrecher, 31βhave been discharged from medical care and are recovering at home, while four female soldiersβKarina Ariev, 20; Daniella Gilboa, 20; Naama Levy, 20; and Liri Albag, 19βfreed on January 25 remain hospitalized. Below are the profiles of the freed hostages and the known hardships they endured during their months of captivity.
Ten hostages recently released from Gaza faced harrowing conditions, including up to eight months confined in Hamas tunnels without daylight or human contact, according to Col. While some endured solitary confinement, those held together showed better physical and emotional resilience.
However, many suffered untreated injuries from the October 7 attack, signs of "mild starvation," and required significant medical care. Additional profiles will be added upon their release from captivity.
A total of 33 hostages are scheduled to be released in the first phase of the Israel-Hamas hostage and ceasefire agreement. Before her abduction, Emily lived a quiet life in the kibbutz, a community located near the Gaza border. During the assault, she sustained gunshot wounds while attempting to comfort her dying dog, which the terrorists had shot. Tragically, as a result of her injuries, she lost two fingers. Emily's story has resonated deeply, as it reflects both her profound love for animals and the indiscriminate violence of the attack.
