One of the hostages rescued in a recent Israeli operation, Andrey Kozlov, endured severe psychological abuse during the eight months he was held captive by Hamas in Gaza. Kozlov, along with Noa Argamani, Almog Meir Jan, and Shlomi Ziv, were freed during a raid on the Nuseirat refugee camp, marking only the third successful Israeli hostage rescue in Gaza.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) orchestrated simultaneous raids on two civilian buildings where the hostages were held, fearing that any advance warning could lead to the captors killing their prisoners. Kozlov, a 27-year-old Russian citizen who moved to Israel two years ago, was abducted while working as a security guard at the Nova music festival. Initially, he believed that the Israeli forces coming to rescue him were actually there to kill him due to misinformation spread by his captors.
Kozlov's father, Mikhail, recounted the emotional reunion and detailed the psychological manipulation his son suffered. Kozlov was often punished for trivial reasons and forced to endure harsh conditions, such as being covered with blankets during the hottest times of the day. This experience left him in fear and confusion, making it hard for him to trust the rescuers initially.
Noa Argamani, another rescued hostage, shared her harrowing experience, including moments when she believed Israeli missiles would take her life. She survived by practicing mindfulness, a technique that helped her stay centered despite the circumstances. Argamani's plight gained international attention after videos of her kidnapping went viral.
Dr. Itai Pessach, who oversaw the medical treatment of the rescued hostages, revealed that they suffered both physical and mental abuse. The hostages dealt with malnutrition, irregular food and water supplies, and appalling living conditions. Despite the rescue, there are still 116 hostages remaining in Gaza, with Israeli intelligence confirming that around 41 have died.
The Israeli operation, however, came at a heavy cost: at least 274 Palestinians were killed during the assault and subsequent shootout with Hamas fighters. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with over 37,000 people reported dead and concerns about severe food insecurity growing. A UN report recently warned that more than a million people in Gaza could face death and hunger by mid-July.
- Kozlov's father emphasized the importance of using any means necessary to free the remaining hostages. He believes that both military operations and negotiations hold potential solutions for their release.
- Medical examinations revealed that Kozlov and the other hostages were malnourished and had significant health issues due to their captivity. Despite initial appearances, the lack of proper nutrition left them with wasted muscles and other health complications.
- The release of the hostages has been celebrated in Israel, but the ongoing conflict poses continuous threats. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, and international organizations are calling for urgent aid and intervention to prevent further tragedy.
