Child hostages in Israel are speaking in whispers and having trouble sleeping, according to a report
Children Held Hostage by Hamas Suffer Trauma, Doctors Discover
In the aftermath of the devastating October 7 massacre of 1200 Israelis, doctors are now uncovering the profound impact it had on the children who were held hostage by Hamas. These young victims, ranging from 10 months to 18 years old, endured a harrowing ordeal that has left lasting scars.
Israeli doctors, who have been closely examining the rescued children, made alarming observations. Most notably, the children spoke in hushed whispers, gradually mustering the courage to ask for simple things like looking out a window or opening a door. Efrat Bron-Harlev, CEO of the Schneider Children’s Medical Center, described them as mere shadows of their former selves. The doctors were taken aback when they discovered that these famished children were eating in small quantities, explaining that they had to save some for later.
Renana Eitan, chair of psychiatry at the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, expressed her astonishment, stating, “I’ve never seen anything like that before. We feel as a group that we have to rewrite the textbook.” The trauma experienced by these young hostages has shattered their innocence and left an indelible mark on their lives.
Disturbingly, adult hostages who were released revealed that Hamas routinely administered benzodiazepines and other drugs to keep the children sedated. Consequently, many of these children now struggle with sleep issues due to their reliance on these substances.
One particular three-year-old child repeatedly mentioned “red men,” which puzzled the doctors. Eventually, they realized that the child was likely referring to people covered in blood, a horrifying detail that further illustrates the trauma they endured.
Teenagers among the hostages disclosed that Hamas had deceived them, claiming that Israel had been obliterated and that no one remembered them. As a result, these young captives lost hope and believed that no one was searching for their safe return.
Dr. Itai Pessach, head of pediatric critical care at the Sheba Medical Center’s Edmond and Lily Safra Children’s Hospital, explained that some of the children had been threatened by Hamas not to speak about their dire conditions in captivity, as it would endanger the remaining hostages. Consequently, these children were hesitant to share their traumatic experiences.
Fatima Akilu, a Nigerian psychologist who treated the Chibok schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram in 2014, emphasized the long-lasting psychological distress experienced by victims of kidnapping. Even short episodes of captivity can manifest as trauma, which may not become apparent until years later.
Dr. Pessach solemnly acknowledged that the children who were held hostage will never return to the world they once knew. Their entire reality has been shattered, and the road to recovery will be long and arduous.
What actions can be taken to ensure the safety and support of these children in their journey towards healing and recovery?
The trauma experienced by these children has left them with significant psychological and emotional scars. Many of them suffer from symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including nightmares, flashbacks, and difficulty sleeping. They are also plagued by feelings of anxiety, depression, and abandonment.
The hostage situation, which lasted for several days, had a profound impact on the children’s development and sense of security. They were robbed of their innocence and forced to confront the harsh realities of violence and terror at a very young age. The experience has shattered their trust in others and left them emotionally vulnerable.
Hamas, the militant group responsible for the hostage situation, has shown a complete disregard for the well-being of these children. They used them as pawns in their political game, subjecting them to unimaginable levels of fear and trauma. This act of cruelty highlights the extent to which Hamas is willing to go to achieve its goals, even at the expense of innocent lives.
It is imperative that these children receive immediate and long-term psychological support to help them overcome the trauma they have endured. Mental health professionals specializing in child trauma should be involved in their care, providing them with the necessary tools to process their experiences and rebuild their lives.
Additionally, efforts should be made to ensure the physical and emotional safety of these children. They need a stable and supportive environment in which they can heal and grow. It is crucial for the authorities to investigate and hold accountable those responsible for the hostage situation, providing justice for the children and their families.
The international community must also condemn such acts of violence and terrorism against children. It is a violation of their rights and goes against the principles of humanity and compassion. Support and resources should be provided to organizations working to protect and rehabilitate children affected by armed conflicts and acts of terrorism.
The plight of these children serves as a stark reminder of the horrors of war and the devastating impact it has on innocent lives. It is our responsibility as a global community to ensure that children are protected from the brutality of war and provided with the care and support they need to recover from their traumas. Every child deserves a safe and nurturing environment in which they can thrive and realize their full potential.
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