A pioneering study published in the international scientific journal “Acta Paediatrica” has documented the abuse Israeli children hostages endured while being held by Hamas.

After the Oct. 7 Hamas-led massacre that saw over 1,200 innocents killed and 250 hostages taken back to the hellpits of Gaza, a brief ceasefire agreement in November led to the release of 80 Israelis and foreign citizens. Among those saved were 19 children between the ages of two and a half to 18, six mothers, and one grandmother. Immediately upon their return to Israel, they were admitted to Schneider Children’s Medical Center.

Upon arrival at the hospital, the hostages exhibited alarming symptoms such as substantial weight loss, psychological trauma, and complications from poor hygiene. Blood and stool laboratory tests were positive for various contaminants, and some patients bore shrapnel injuries from the initial attack.

“We can say that the most concerning aspects we experienced as a medical team among the returnees are psychological. We saw mainly great sadness and psychological trauma,” Dr. Noa Ziv told Arutz Sheva.

“Despite the great joy and immense relief of release, the returnees experienced significant difficulties during the attack and captivity, and many of them witnessed atrocities such as the murder and abduction of their loved ones.”

“We hope that no one will make use of the information collected in this article. Children should not have to deal with things of this nature, not even in their worst nightmares,” he added.

During their stay, which ranged from a few days to several weeks based on individual needs, the freed hostages met with family members and military personnel. The hospital’s multidisciplinary team provided comprehensive care, including medical, nursing, and psycho-social support, aiming to give the returnees a sense of freedom and love in every possible way.

As of now, 115 women, men, and children still remain in Hamas captivity.