Eitan Yahalomi, a 13-year-old Israeli boy released in a hostage deal with Hamas, recounted harrowing moments of his captivity in Gaza, saying he was forced to watch extremely graphic footage by his captors.
"When I got to Gaza, I saw many people. They were waiting for me, and civilians also beat me," Yahalomi said, describing his ordeal after being abducted during the October 7 Hamas massacre. His father, Ohad, remains in captivity, along with over 100 others.
Eitan Yahalomi with Montana Tucker
In a conversation with international TikTok star Montana Tucker, Yahalomi shared memories of the terrifying morning and his time in captivity. "We started hearing gunshots and shouting in Arabic. I was a little scared. They [the terrorists] showed me videos in which they kill people. They were happy. I couldn't look away because they didn't let me." He added, "I also saw things, and it's constantly in my mind."
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Eitan Yahalomi was returned to Israel after 52 days in captivity
(Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)
Yahalomi, who subsisted on just one piece of pita bread and a cucumber each day, admitted that even after his release, he struggles to sleep. "Now I don't sleep much, as if I've been through the worst and that's it," he said.
A forthcoming documentary titled "The Children of October 7," produced by Kastina Communications, is expected to spotlight the atrocities committed by Hamas.
Eitan Yahalomi released from Hamas captivity last November
(Video: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)
As Yahalomi's story highlights the plight of the captives, frustration is growing among the hostages' families. Many feel that attention has shifted away from their loved ones as Israel focuses on the escalating conflict in the north.
Eilon Keshet, cousin of hostage Yarden Bibas, who recently marked his 35th birthday while in captivity, expressed concern in an interview with Ynet: "Since the situation in Lebanon, the whole subject of the hostages has been pushed aside." He added, "It's easier to carry on with life. The hostages don't have time. They've either died or been murdered in captivity."
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