Since the release of the last 20 living in Gaza, information has begun to surface regarding their medical states and the atrocities they faced during their captivity. Similar to previously freed hostages, those who returned on Monday appeared emaciated, indicating they were not adequately nourished.

Avinatan Or, who was abducted from the Nova music festival alongside his partner, Noa Argamani, was reportedly starved during his detention and lost 30-40% of his body weight, according to Israel’s Channel 12. The news outlet also stated that official medical documents indicated Or was “thin and very weak.” Or was reportedly held in central Gaza under harsh conditions for the majority of the conflict, as per Channel 12.

Furthermore, Or was reportedly held in isolation for over two years and did not encounter other captives until his liberation, according to , which cited Israel’s Channel 12. He also allegedly had limited access to news and only became aware of the IDF mission that led to the rescue of Argamani and three others after his release.

Elkana Bohbot, who was seized while assisting people to evacuate the Nova music festival, was reportedly held in tunnels throughout his time in captivity, according to Channel 12. He was allegedly chained for much of that period and was released from the chains on his wedding anniversary, when he was finally allowed to shower. Channel 12 reported that Bohbot was suffering from stomach pains upon his return because he was force-fed in the final days of his captivity. He also experienced pain in his legs and lower back.

“Doctors are particularly concerned about the long-term effects of ,” professor Hagai Levine, head of the health team at the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, told Digital, emphasizing the impact such deprivation can have on vitamin levels.

In addition to vitamin deficiencies, doctors are also concerned about the possibility of the hostages developing “refeeding syndrome,” which can prove fatal if not properly treated.

“There were cases where hostages were reportedly fed before their release to make them appear healthier in propaganda videos. Such rapid or forced feeding, after prolonged malnutrition, can be extremely dangerous. That’s why in Israel are reintroducing food gradually and under close monitoring to stabilize the body safely and prevent life-threatening complications,” Levine said.

Levine also stated that the months spent underground in tunnels caused hostages to have “very low levels of vitamin D,” which can affect muscle function, bone strength, and the immune system.

“These spaces are small, hot, humid, and often lack ventilation or basic sanitation. There’s no daylight, so the body loses its natural sense of time. Many were chained or unable to move freely,” Levine told Digital.

“Physically, this kind of environment causes rapid muscle and bone loss, severe fatigue, and a weakened immune system. The lack of sunlight leads to vitamin D deficiency, which affects bones, muscles and even mood. Breathing in the damp air can trigger respiratory infections and skin problems,” he added.

Unlike Or, Bohbot appeared to have access to some forms of media. Channel 12 reported that he saw his family members advocating for his release in media coverage from Hostages Square in Tel Aviv.

Alon Ohel, who was abducted from a shelter after fleeing terrorists at Nova, reportedly sustained a shrapnel injury to his eye on Oct. 7, 2023, which could result in permanent vision loss, according to , which cited Israeli outlet Maariv. The outlet also noted that there are reports Ohel is at risk of losing vision in his other eye.

Ohel’s parents said his left eye was in poor condition and his hands, chest and head were covered in shrapnel, causing him some pain, according to The Jerusalem Post.

Levine said medical reports and testimony from captivity survivors reveal that many hostages who sustained injuries during the Oct. 7 attacks were never given proper treatment. These injuries included burns, gunshot wounds and fractures.

“Beyond those who were physically injured, almost all endured prolonged deprivation of medical care, even for common illnesses or pain, resulting in infections, chronic discomfort and overall physical decline,” Levine told Digital. “The absence of basic medical treatment over such an extended period has left deep and lasting effects on their health.”

Matan Angrest reportedly underwent a medical procedure on his hands and fingers without anesthetic, according to The Jerusalem Post, which cited N12, the online arm of Channel 12. This allegedly caused further complications.

Angrest was serving in the (IDF) when he was kidnapped while defending the Nahal Oz outpost. His mother, Anat Angrest, reportedly told Channel 12 that her son was subjected to “very severe torture” at the beginning of his captivity because he was a soldier, The Times of Israel reported. She also reportedly said he was held alone for a long period of time under special guard.

More details about what the released hostages endured while in Gaza, as well as information on their medical conditions, are expected to be made public over time.

While the 20 living hostages were returned to Israel, there are still 24 bodies of deceased hostages that remain . The terrorist organization was supposed to return 28 bodies but has released only four so far.

On Tuesday, Israel identified two of the four deceased hostages as Binpin Joshi and Guy Iluz. The identities of the other two deceased hostages whose bodies arrived in Israel Monday have yet to be made public.