Prof. Levine: The lives of the hostages held in captivity are in danger because of their mental state

The medical unit of the Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum published a new health report, which states that the lives of the hostages are in danger due to their mental state in captivity.

This update was aired on Monday on Israel's KAN news program "This Morning."

According to the report, there is concern that the psychological state of the hostages has deteriorated to apathy, an experience of emotional and physical indifference, which may endanger their lives.

Professor Hagai Levine, the head of the medical unit of the Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum, explained: “Based on the testimonies of the survivors who returned from captivity, some have already shown apathy due to the conditions of captivity and the psychological terror inflicted on them.”

According to him: “This situation endangers their lives, and therefore it is vital to release them to save them.”

About two weeks ago, the medical unit at the Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum published a grueling and shocking report after collecting testimonies from the hostages about their experience in captivity. The hostages spoke about ongoing physical and psychological torture that could potentially endanger the lives of those currently remaining in captivity.

In addition, Israel's Health Ministry is currently working on its own report and collecting data from the hostages.

The Forum document details the torture the hostages endured, both psychologically and physically. The hostages were reportedly threatened with guns, beaten with fists, had their skin burned with fire, and children were exposed to terror videos. Additionally, in terms of sexual violence, the hostages revealed evidence that men and women suffered violent sexual assaults during captivity, which could endanger them physically, due to severe injuries to the genitals, exposure to infections, and pregnancies from rape, as well mentally, due to deep emotional trauma and even suicidal thoughts.

Israel reacted yesterday to Egypt's new proposal regarding the hostage release deal. One political source stated that the proposal is "preliminary and raw" but has the potential to initiate negotiations. Earlier, the Lebanese newspaper "Al-Akhbar" affiliated with Hezbollah, published the details of the deal, stating that during its first phase, to last 7-10 days, Hamas would release all the civilians it holds – women, children, the sick, and the elderly. In return, Israel would release a number of Palestinian prisoners, to be agreed upon.

In the background, there will be a complete ceasefire across the Gaza Strip, and the residents will be able to move from the south to the north of the Strip.