‘I wake up with nightmares’: Ex-hostage who dug his own grave describes cruelty of Hamas captivity
Former Israeli hostage Evyatar David has detailed the mental and physical abuse he suffered during 738 days of captivity in Gaza. David reported experiencing extreme starvation and being forced by Hamas captors to dig his own grave. Despite his release, he continues to struggle with trauma, stating that he wakes up with nightmares that haunt him throughout the day. He has since focused on rebuilding his life and recently celebrated the wedding of fellow former hostage Eliya Cohen as a symbolic victory over his captors.
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- ✓ Evyatar David was held in Gaza captivity for 738 days.
- ✓ Hamas captors forced Evyatar David to dig his own grave.
- ✓ David suffered from extreme starvation during his captivity.
- ✓ David continues to experience nightmares and trauma after his release.
What changed
Evyatar David provided a detailed account of forced grave-digging, starvation, and ongoing psychological trauma following his 738 days in captivity.
Live updates
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Ex-hostage Evyatar David describes trauma and forced grave-digging in Gaza
Former Israeli hostage Evyatar David has detailed the mental and physical abuse he suffered during 738 days of captivity in Gaza. David reported experiencing extreme starvation and being forced by Hamas captors to dig his own grave. Despite his release, he continues to struggle with trauma, stating that he wakes up with nightmares that haunt him throughout the day. He has since focused on rebuilding his life and recently celebrated the wedding of fellow former hostage Eliya Cohen as a symbolic victory over his captors.
Why it matters
David's account provides specific testimony regarding the treatment of captives held by Hamas in Gaza. These reports contribute to the broader understanding of the conditions faced by hostages during the conflict.
What is confirmed
- Evyatar David was held in Gaza captivity for 738 days.
- Hamas captors forced Evyatar David to dig his own grave.
- David suffered from extreme starvation during his captivity.
- David continues to experience nightmares and trauma after his release.
What to watch next
- Further testimonies from other hostages released from similar conditions
- Official responses from Hamas regarding the allegations of forced grave-digging
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (12)
- CNN — ‘I wake up with nightmares’: Ex-hostage who dug his own grave describes cruelty of Hamas captivity
- Ynetnews — ‘They made me dig my own grave’: Evyatar David recounts starvation, cruelty in Hamas captivity
- Межа. Новини України. — Former Israeli Hostage Evyatar David Reveals Starvation and Trauma After 738 Days in Gaza Captivity
- VINnews — Former Hostage Evyatar David Describes Extreme Starvation And Forced Grave-Digging In Hamas Captivity
- The Jerusalem Post — Former Gaza hostage Evyatar David celebrates Eliya Cohen's wedding as victory over Hamas - report
- Yahoo — Israeli Hostage Delivers Jaw-Dropping Account of His 2 Years of Captivity By Hamas: ‘Mental Abuse
- The Times of Israel — Former hostage Eliya Cohen and longtime girlfriend wed in ceremony full of symbolism
- Le Monde.fr — Evyatar David, former hostage in Gaza: 'I wake up at night with nightmares, and it haunts me all day long'
- South African Jewish Report — Eliya and Ziv celebrate life, love, and a miracle
- achmadnurhidayat.id — Ex Hostage Evyatar David Recounts Trauma After Release From Gaza
- The Times of Israel — Ex-hostage Evyatar David says he still wakes with nightmares, almost a year after return
- The Jerusalem Post — ‘They didn’t ruin everything’: Evyatar David rebuilds after Hamas captivity
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