Israeli Hostages Avitar David and Guy Gilboa-Dalal Open Up About Hamas Captivity and Survival

Avitar David and his childhood friend Guy Gilboa-Dalal, both kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023, have shared their harrowing experiences during captivity in Gaza tunnels nearly nine months after their release. Their emaciated images, especially a haunting black-and-white photo of David, shocked the world and symbolized the urgency of their plight. In an exclusive interview with "Uvda," they recount the terror of the initial attack at a party, their capture, and the brutal conditions they endured.

The two friends were separated from their other companions during the attack and taken captive. For two weeks, they were forbidden from speaking or making eye contact, enduring extreme hunger, limited and dirty water, and psychological torment. David describes moments of pure rage and despair, including an incident where they were given only six pistachios to share among three people. They also recall being forced to dig what they believed was their own grave while hearing their captors enjoy tea and cake nearby.

Despite the physical and emotional trauma, David emphasizes his will to live, rejecting the notion that captivity equals death. Both men describe the ongoing psychological effects, including nightmares and trauma, and acknowledge the difficulty of returning to normal life. They also highlight the importance of their bond, which helped them survive the ordeal, and the pain of being separated by their captors.

Psychologist Glen Cohen, who assisted with their debriefing, notes that the trauma continues even after release. David admits he still struggles with the aftermath and has begun seeking help. The interview sheds light on the human cost of the conflict and the resilience of those held hostage by Hamas.

Summary: Israeli hostages Avitar David and Guy Gilboa-Dalal recount their kidnapping by Hamas on October 7, 2023, and the brutal conditions they endured in Gaza tunnels. Nearly nine months after release, they share their trauma, survival, and ongoing recovery in an exclusive interview.

Points: - Avitar David and Guy Gilboa-Dalal were kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023, during a party. - They endured two weeks of silence, extreme hunger, and harsh captivity conditions in Gaza tunnels. - David was forced to dig a grave, witnessing captors enjoying tea and cake nearby. - The friends were separated by captors, causing severe emotional distress. - Both continue to suffer psychological trauma and are undergoing recovery with professional help. - Their story highlights the human toll of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and hostage survival.

Topic: security israel_relevant: true entities: {"people":["Avitar David","Guy Gilboa-Dalal","Glen Cohen"],"organizations":["Hamas","Uvda"],"places":["Gaza","Israel"]}