# Israeli hostages' accounts of Hamas captivity

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/israeli-hostages-accounts-of-hamas-captivity
> Updated: 2026-08-23T21:16:56.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Released Israeli hostages have provided detailed accounts of the physical and psychological abuse endured during their captivity by Hamas in Gaza following the October 7, 2023, attacks.

Evyatar David, who was abducted from the Nova music festival and held for 738 days, described enduring extreme starvation, including a period of three months without food. He alleged that guards forced him to dig a grave while they ate and recounted being forced to participate in a propaganda video where he was made to swallow water mixed with soap and dirt while blindfolded. David, who was released in October 2025 under a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, reported ongoing struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder, flashbacks, and anxiety.

Similarly, Aviva and Keith Siegel, who were abducted from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, recounted witnessing severe physical abuse and sexual violence against female hostages. Aviva Siegel, released in November 2023 after 51 days, testified that women were beaten, tortured, and forced to shower naked in front of guards. She also described being forced to wear tight, ill-fitting clothing. Keith Siegel, released after 484 days, described the psychological toll of living within the underground tunnel network. Both survivors noted that they continue to suffer from profound trauma.

## Claims

- Evyatar David reported enduring extreme starvation during his 738 days in Hamas captivity. (single source)
- Guards forced David to dig a grave while they ate nearby. (single source)
- Aviva Siegel testified that Hamas terrorists beat, tortured, and sexually abused female hostages. (single source)
- Female hostages were forced to wear tight, ill-fitting clothing by their captors. (single source)
- David stated that he did not eat for three months during his captivity. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-23: Israeli hostages recount starvation and abuse in Hamas captivity

Released Israeli hostages have testified to enduring starvation, torture, and sexual violence while held by Hamas in Gaza following the October 7 attacks.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/former-hostages-describe-sexual-violence-and-torture-in-hamas-captivity

### 2026-07-30: Evyatar David details PTSD after Hamas captivity and forced propaganda video

Evyatar David, former Israeli hostage, describes severe PTSD after two‑year Hamas captivity, forced propaganda video, and ongoing recovery challenges.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/evyatar-david-details-ptsd-after-hamas-captivity-and-forced-propaganda-video

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Cite as: Israeli hostages' accounts of Hamas captivity. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/israeli-hostages-accounts-of-hamas-captivity