Israeli Hostage: Hamas Allowed Fasting and Praying in Captivity
Freed Israeli soldier Agam Berger shared that while in captivity, Hamas allowed her to observe religious rituals and even provided her with a prayer book. Meanwhile, Palestinians released from Israeli prisons report experiencing mistreatment and torture.
Israeli soldier Agam Berger, who was released from Gaza on January 30, shared details of her time in captivity. In an interview with Yedioth Ahronoth, she revealed that Hamas fighters did not forbid her from practicing her religious traditions and even provided her with a Jewish prayer book, the siddur.
“We have no idea how it happened, but they simply handed us prayer books… They showed them to us and said, ‘Take them.’ We used them constantly. It gave us strength,” Berger recalled.
According to her, during her captivity, she was able to fast and pray on Yom Kippur as well as observe the Fast of Esther. Following religious traditions became an essential source of support during the difficult circumstances. Despite the harsh conditions, the ability to pray helped her maintain inner strength.
Meanwhile, testimonies from former Palestinian prisoners recently released from Israeli jails continue to emerge. They report experiencing severe mistreatment at the hands of Israeli authorities. The released detainees claim they were subjected to torture, medical neglect, and deprivation of basic rights, with many requiring urgent hospitalization upon their release.
The prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas is ongoing. In the first phase of the deal, 19 Israeli hostages, including Berger, as well as five Thai workers, were freed. In return, Israel released 1,135 Palestinian detainees. In the third phase of the agreement, both sides negotiated the release of an additional 14 Israeli hostages, bringing the total number of freed Israelis to 33.
The release of hostages and prisoners is part of a broader diplomatic effort aimed at easing the conflict. However, both sides continue to accuse each other of mistreating captives. Israeli officials argue that Palestinian prisoners were convicted of crimes threatening national security, while Palestinian organizations claim that many detainees are political prisoners.
These events have drawn significant international attention. Many human rights organizations are calling for an independent investigation into the treatment of prisoners on both sides. The UN and the Red Cross have already urged adherence to humanitarian law and the humane treatment of detainees.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas remains one of the most pressing issues in the Middle East. Despite temporary agreements on hostage exchanges, both parties maintain firm stances, and international efforts to achieve lasting peace have yet to yield significant results.
The situation remains tense, with the prisoner exchange sparking intense political and humanitarian debates. Testimonies from former captives highlight the stark differences in treatment, increasing global scrutiny of conditions in both Israeli prisons and Hamas captivity.
Berger’s account is one of the rare instances where an Israeli hostage has publicly shared their experience in captivity. Her testimony contrasts with numerous reports of harsh detention conditions, fueling further debate about the true reality in Gaza.
The current situation underscores the need for continued negotiations and diplomatic efforts. The treatment of detainees remains a key issue in peace initiatives, and the coming developments will determine whether both sides can find a compromise in this prolonged conflict.
Do you have news that could become a sensation?
Or do you want to try yourself as an editor?
On altn.news , it's possible!
Share your materials, express your opinion, and test your skills as a journalist or editor.
It’s simple:
✅ Download the app:
✅ Register on the website.
✅ Create and publish your news.
Who knows, maybe your material will become the next big headline!
Start today on altn.news.
The editorial board is not responsible for the content and accuracy of material taken, sent or obtained from other sources. The publication of such materials is for informational purposes only and does not imply automatic endorsement or approval of their content.
