Psychiatrist Reveals Disturbing Details: Israeli Hostages Subjected to Drugging, Sexual, and Psychological Abuse in Gaza

Renana Eitan, Director at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center-Ichilov, revealed that Israelis held hostage after the October 7 Hamas assault were allegedly drugged to maintain docility and subjected to sexual and psychological abuse. Eitan, with 20 years of trauma victim treatment experience, described the abuse as severe, emphasizing the need for drastic psychological measures for the victims. The center has been treating 14 former hostages, many of whom were reportedly drugged with substances believed to be benzodiazepines. Following the Hamas attack, 240 Israelis were initially taken hostage, and during the collapsed humanitarian pause from November 24-30, 86 Israeli and 24 foreign national hostages were released. Currently, around 137 people, including Israelis and foreign nationals, are estimated to remain captive in Gaza.

Key Points:

1. According to Renana Eitan, a psychiatrist in Tel Aviv, Israelis who were taken hostage after the October 7 Hamas assault were allegedly drugged to keep them passive and subjected to sexual and psychological abuse.

2. Eitan, the Director at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center-Ichilov, stated that the abuse experienced by the released hostages, both physical and mental, was unprecedented in her 20 years of treating trauma victims.

3. The Tel Aviv medical center is currently providing treatment for 14 former hostages who were held by Hamas, and they are advocating for significant psychological interventions to support the victims.

4. Many of the victims were reportedly drugged, with doctors suspecting the use of benzodiazepines, a class of depressants with sedative effects, including drugs like valium.

5. Following the brutal October 7 attack, Hamas initially took around 240 Israelis as hostages. During a humanitarian pause from November 24-30, 86 Israeli and 24 foreign national hostages were released. As of now, an estimated 137 people, including Israelis and foreign nationals, are believed to remain captive in Gaza.

(With Agency Inputs)