New details: Freed hostages reveal the true horrors of Hamas captivity

Six Israeli hostages released Saturday described harrowing conditions in Hamas captivity, including violent interrogations, prolonged darkness, and severe food deprivation, with one survivor held underground while battling chronic medical conditions.

Omer Shem Tov emerged visibly emaciated and pale, though managing to smile during his return. He spent his captivity in Hamas tunnels without daylight while coping with asthma and celiac disease, according to family members now awaiting his medical evaluation results.

The psychological toll on captives was starkly illustrated by the condition of Hisham al-Sayed. "His mental state is very difficult, he's not communicating," his father Sha'ban al-Sayed told Radio B. "He looks like he was in a torture camp for 10 years. We never imagined Hamas could be so cruel. He's emotionally and mentally erased."

Released hostages reported that Hamas subjected younger captives to intensive interrogations focused on extracting military information, with sessions marked by severe violence that left physical scarring. Several described living under constant death threats and being coerced into participating in Hamas propaganda activities.

Before their release, the freed hostages were forced to leave behind fellow captives in the tunnels, including Guy Gilboa-Dalal, whom they confirmed was still alive. Their accounts suggest many remaining hostages continue to face harsh underground conditions, isolated from daylight and adequate food.