Survivors share harrowing tales of captivity after being freed by Hamas

As Hamas continues to release hostages under a temporary truce with Israel, harrowing stories of captivity are emerging. The hostages, including women, children, and foreign nationals, were held underground or aboveground, often separated from loved ones and cut off from the outside world. They experienced fear, hunger, and despair, sleeping on bare benches and waiting hours to use the toilet. Some received meals initially, while others subsisted mainly on bread. Many witnessed the killing of family members, and some learned of loved ones' deaths only upon being released. The truce and hostage-prisoner swap have brought relief to individual families, but public rejoicing remains muted as families continue to wait for their loved ones' release.