According to Times of Israel, Newly released American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander is adjusting to freedom, spending his first weekend at home with his family after being held captive for an extended period. Since his return, Alexander has begun sharing some of the grim details of his ordeal with relatives, shedding light on the brutal conditions he endured.
According to revelations shared with Channel 12, Alexander described the initial phase of his captivity as “hell.” During this time, he faced severe hardship, including significant weight loss, reportedly dropping around 44 pounds. His living conditions were dire, particularly when held in tents among displaced Gazans, where he was forced to drink seawater and consume stale, dirty bread.
Alexander was frequently moved by his captors to evade detection, held in a variety of locations including underground tunnels, apartments, mosques, and tents. In one striking account shared with his family, he recounted being moved while hidden inside a donkey-pulled cart. To conceal his identity further, his face was covered, and his captor was reportedly disguised as a woman.
A notable detail shared by Alexander is that his conditions reportedly improved following the election of Donald Trump as president. His captors, recognizing his potential value as a bargaining chip, apparently perceived him as being “worth” more after the election, leading to some amelioration of his circumstances.
Alexander’s testimony paints a vivid picture of the psychological and physical toll exacted during his time in captivity. While the exact duration and full scope of his experience are still emerging, the initial details underscore the brutal reality faced by those held hostage. His safe return, while a source of immense relief for his family, also brings to light the disturbing tactics used by his captors and the profound suffering endured in confinement.
