Ofer Calderon’s relative says freed hostage lost 55 lb in captivity, was ‘fattened’ by Hamas before release

Recently released hostage Ofer Calderon’s uncle tells the Knesset Health Committee that at one point during captivity, Calderon had lost 25 kilograms (55 pounds), and that once Hamas decided it would release him as part of the ceasefire deal, the terrorists fed him large amounts of food, including rotten vegetables, so he would appear healthier upon release.

“Ofer had a difficult week, starting with a severe flu and pneumonia, to the point that his children could not meet him,” his uncle tells the committee, according to Hebrew media reports.

“Ofer said that three months ago, he weighed 25 kilograms (55 pounds) less,” he says. “When [Hamas] realized that Ofer would be among those who were freed, they fattened him so he would look the way he did.”

“He said that he was forced to eat rotten vegetables,” Calderon’s uncle adds.