From the Liveblog of
Thursday, January 30, 2025
Former hostage Albag refused freedom without fellow captive Berger, was tricked into leaving — report
Hebrew media reports purport to offer insight into how some hostages were treated in Gaza, apparently based on testimony of recently released female troops, the last of whom were freed earlier today.
According to Channel 12 news, Liri Albag, who was freed on Saturday, tried to scuttle her planned release due to the fact that Agam Berger was not being let go as well. Eventually Albag’s captors “relented” and told her they were taking her to film a propaganda video. Instead, they took her to the Red Cross for release. Berger was freed earlier today.
The channel reports that Albag and Berger also refused their captors’ orders to move into the tunnels, and were instead held above ground, though conditions were still very poor. The two were forced to cook for their captors, but not allowed to eat the food, and were moved to different locales at least 10 times.
The reports, which are also carried by Ynet and elsewhere, indicate that experiences varied, with some having had sporadic access to radio and television, and others completely cut off. While many hostages were held in pairs or groups, others, like Arbel Yehoud, who was released today, were held by themselves. Showers could be a once-per-month affair, and even when allowed to rinse off, hostages were only allowed to use freezing water.
Some hostages reportedly attempted to fast on Yom Kippur and avoid eating bread during Passover.
The hostage that is a source of the information says Gazans they met seemed okay, and sometimes even pleased, with the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, but did regret and mourn the loss of previous Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, according to the reports. Both Sinwar and Haniyeh were killed by Israel.
The Times of Israel Community.