What It’s About

In a recent interview, Meirav Leshem Gonen shared harrowing details about the condition of her daughter, Romi Gonen, following her release from Hamas captivity. Romi, alongside other hostages like Or Levy, Eli Sharabi, and Ohad Ben Ami, returned to Israel in dire condition after weeks of food deprivation.

Why It Matters

The accounts of the released hostages underline the cruel practices employed by Hamas during captivity, emphasizing how food deprivation has been used as a method to weaken and instill fear. Such revelations highlight the brutal reality faced by those in the Gaza captivity and underscore the humanitarian violations occurring under Hamas’s regime.

In Their Words

“For the first time, I gave her bolognese because I wanted her to enjoy it, and she was finally able to,” Meirav recounted, describing Romi’s slow recovery. “Physical recovery is slow, and it takes time for the body to even feel hunger again,” she added.

The Bigger Picture

With Israel entering delicate negotiations on the hostage-ceasefire deal, the focus remains on how to protect its citizens and ensure their wellbeing, reflecting Israel’s commitment to their strength and resilience. The pursuit of constructive dialogue in Qatar exemplifies Israel’s proactive role in seeking peaceful resolutions while dealing with complex geopolitical challenges.

This story was first published on jpost.com.