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How Hamas makes the hostages look 'healthy and happy' on their release

In a calculated effort to manipulate public perception, Hamas terrorits increased food rations and allegedly administered sedatives to hostages in their final days of captivity, masking months of severe deprivation and psychological abuse that included forcing them to film farewell messages to their families. 

IDF observers in Hamas' farewell ceremony
Photo: Uncredited

Israeli state broadcaster Kan 11, along with multiple international media outlets, have revealed details of Hamas's systematic approach to hostage releases, including efforts to alter captives' appearance in their final days of captivity.

According to reports from the Jerusalem Post and New York Post, Hamas implemented what sources describe as an "accelerated rehabilitation" process before releasing hostages. The militant group allegedly increased food portions and, in some cases, administered sedatives like Klonopin to make captives appear calmer during handover ceremonies.

The contrast between captivity conditions and release appearances has been highlighted by numerous freed hostages. Ruti Munder, in her testimony, described how food supplies gradually deteriorated during captivity, with initial provisions being more substantial but becoming increasingly scarce over time.

Keith, one of the recently released hostages, provided new details about the severe food restrictions during his captivity in Gaza City. Despite being vegetarian, he was forced to eat meat to survive amid significant food shortages. Keith was primarily held in safe houses, locked in interior rooms to prevent discovery during potential raids.

The reported pre-release protocol included:

- Increased food portions in the days before release

- Filmed signing of documents thanking captors

- Forced participation in video recordings, including messages to families

- In some cases, compulsory "farewell" recordings as part of psychological manipulation

Many hostages have reported significant weight loss, vitamin deficiencies from lack of sunlight, and digestive issues from poor diet during their captivity, in addition to beatings, being locked in cages and psychologically terrorised. These accounts sharply contrast with their appearance at release, supporting claims of deliberate manipulation of their condition before freedom.

The revelations come as part of broader documentation of hostage treatment following the October 7 attack. Keith's experience also highlighted the psychological trauma of captivity - he remained unaware of his son Shai's fate for months after their separation during the attack on Kfar Aza, only learning of his survival after hearing his voice on a radio broadcast.


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