Freed Israeli hostages show severe starvation, weight loss from Gaza captivity

Since the release of the last 20 Israeli hostages living in Gaza, details have begun to emerge about their medical conditions and the horrors they experienced while in captivity. Similar to the hostages released earlier, those who returned Monday appeared thin, indicating they were not adequately nourished.

According to Israel’s Channel 12, Avinatan Or, who was kidnapped from the Nova music festival with his partner Noa Argamani, reportedly starved during his captivity and lost 30-40% of his body weight. The publication also noted that official medical documents stated that Or was “underweight and very weak.” Or was reportedly held in harsh conditions in central Gaza for most of the war, according to Channel 12.

In addition, Or was reportedly kept in isolation for more than two years and did not encounter other captives until his release. Times of IsraelHe was referring to Israel’s Channel 12. He allegedly had little access to the news and was only informed of the IDF mission that led to the rescue of Argamani and three others until his release from captivity.

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Elkana Bohbot, who was kidnapped while helping evacuate people from the Nova music festival, was reportedly kept in tunnels throughout her time in captivity, according to Channel 12. He was allegedly chained for most of this time and was released on his wedding anniversary when he was finally allowed to shower. Channel 12 said Bohbot suffered stomach pains upon his return due to being force-fed in the final days of his captivity. He also had pain in his legs and waist.

Hostages and Missing Families Forum Health Team President Prof. “Doctors are especially concerned about the long-term effects of severe nutritional deprivation,” Hagai Levine told Fox News Digital.

In addition to vitamin deficiencies, doctors are also concerned about the possibility of hostages developing refeeding syndrome, which could be fatal if not treated properly.

“There were reported cases of hostages being fed before their release to make them appear healthier in propaganda videos. This type of rapid or force-feeding after prolonged malnutrition can be extremely dangerous. That’s why medical teams in Israel reintroduce food slowly and under close monitoring to safely stabilize the body and prevent life-threatening complications,” Levine said. he said.

Levine also said the months spent underground in the tunnels caused the hostages to have “very low levels of vitamin D,” which can affect muscle function, bone strength and immune system problems.

“These spaces are small, hot, humid, and often lack ventilation or basic sanitation. There is no daylight, so the body loses its natural sense of time. Many are chained or unable to move freely,” Levine told Fox News Digital.

“Physically, this type of environment causes rapid muscle and bone loss, severe fatigue, and a weakened immune system. Lack of sunlight leads to vitamin D deficiency, affecting bones, muscles, and even mood. Breathing humid air can trigger respiratory infections and skin problems.”

Unlike Or, Bohbot appeared to have access to some types of media. Channel 12 reported that media reports in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square saw family members advocating for his release.

Israeli twins Gali and Ziv Berman, 28, were all smiles as they were reunited after being released by Hamas on October 13, 2025. (IDF)

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It was reported that Alon Ohel, who was kidnapped from a shelter after escaping from terrorists in Nova, received a shrapnel wound in his eye on October 7, 2023, which could lead to permanent vision loss. Jerusalem PostHe cited the Israel-based Maariv broadcaster. The publication also noted that there were reports that Ohel was at risk of losing vision in his other eye.

Ohel’s parents said his left eye was in bad shape and his hands, chest and head were covered in shrapnel, causing him some pain, The Jerusalem Post reported.

Levine said medical reports and testimony from captivity survivors revealed that many of the hostages injured during the Oct. 7 attacks were never given proper treatment. These injuries included burns, gunshot wounds and fractures.

“Almost all of them, other than those who were physically injured, endured long-term absences from medical care, even for common illnesses or pain, resulting in infections, chronic discomfort, and overall physical decline,” Levine told Fox News Digital. “The lack of basic medical treatment for such a long period of time has had profound and lasting effects on their health.”

A medical procedure was reportedly performed on Matan Angrest’s hands and fingers without anesthesia, The Jerusalem Post reported, citing Channel 12’s online arm N12. This allegedly caused further complications.

Angrest was serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) when he was kidnapped while defending the Nahal Oz outpost. His mother, Anat Angrest, told Channel 12 that her son was subjected to “very severe torture” at the beginning of his captivity because he was a soldier, The Times of Israel reported. He also said that he was kept alone under special protection for a long time.

Lishay Miran-Lavi was reunited with her husband Omri Miran after Hamas released the 20 surviving hostages on October 13, 2025. (IDF)

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It is expected that more details about the time the released hostages lived in Gaza, as well as information about their health conditions, will be made public in time.

While 20 living hostages were returned to Israel, there are still 24 dead hostages held by Hamas. The terrorist organization was supposed to return 28 bodies, but has released only 4 so far.

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On Tuesday, Israel identified two of the four dead hostages as Binpin Joshi and Guy Iluz. The identities of the other two hostages, whose bodies arrived in Israel on Monday, have not yet been made public.