Yarden Bibas survived on almost no food in moldy tunnels 

Ofri Bibas, the sister of Yarden Bibas, who was recently freed from Hamas captivity, has revealed harrowing details about his ordeal in captivity.

Speaking with Kan Reshet Bet, she described the inhumane conditions her brother endured during his 16 months underground.

"Yarden was held in tunnels most of the time," she recounted. "He was confined to a corridor covered in moldy boards, with no air circulation. It was the same space where six other hostages had been held for a month."

She revealed that Yarden suffered long periods with minimal food, yet despite the extreme deprivation, he remained resilient. "He surprised me from the first moment I saw him—with his strength. He’s still the same Yarden, with his laughter and smile. But of course, he is very different. Hope kept him going there, and he still holds on to it."

Bibas voiced strong concerns about a potential return to fighting, questioning its purpose. "Six months ago, the IDF stated it had achieved all its objectives. Beyond endangering the remaining hostages and fallen soldiers who have yet to be retrieved, and beyond the further loss of our own troops, everyone understands that Hamas will not be defeated by military operations alone."

She also pointed to past failed negotiations: "Yarden told us that in May, based on how the terrorists behaved, they believed a deal had been signed. That was the atmosphere. Then they realized that it had collapsed."

Reflecting on the dire situation of the remaining hostages, she added painfully, "We shouldn’t have had to witness the horrific images from last Saturday—we already know they are in hell. This time, we are abandoning Yarden—not just us, but everyone. He survived 16 months there. Now, we must bring his family home so he can begin to heal."

According to Bibas, Yarden emerged from captivity with a clear understanding of Israel’s situation. "He knows there is great fear and uncertainty, but he is holding onto hope. That’s how he survived—by clinging to hope."