Israeli Hostage Recounts Beatings and Starvation During Hamas Captivity

Segev Kalfon’s harrowing testimony

Segev Kalfon, a 29‑year‑old Israeli civilian, survived 738 days of captivity after being seized by Hamas militants in the October 7 attacks. In a recent interview, he described a daily routine of physical abuse, deliberate starvation, and relentless psychological pressure designed to break his will.

The conditions of confinement

According to Kalfon, the captors kept hostages in cramped, poorly ventilated rooms where sunlight was scarce. Food rations were reduced to a “bare minimum” – often just a few bites of stale bread and water that was sometimes contaminated. He said that when he complained of hunger or illness, guards responded with beatings, kicking the walls to intimidate him.

“They would slam the door shut, strike the metal bars, and shout insults for hours,” Kalfon recalled. “It felt like they wanted us to forget we were human.”

Psychological warfare

Beyond the physical torment, Kalfon reported that Hamas used “mind games” to erode his mental resilience. Captors forced hostages to listen to propaganda broadcasts, threatened to harm family members, and staged mock executions to instill constant fear.

“One day they would bring a loudspeaker and play recordings of our loved ones crying, then tell us they were already dead,” he said. “It was a cruel strategy to keep us in a state of hopelessness.”

Why the delay in his release?

Now back in Israel, Kalfon has turned his attention to the authorities, questioning why it took nearly two years for a rescue operation to bring him home. He expressed frustration that “the bureaucracy and political hesitations prolonged our suffering.”

He urged Israeli officials to streamline hostage‑negotiation protocols and to prioritize rapid, coordinated actions in future crises.

Reactions from officials and experts

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant acknowledged the “painful reality” of prolonged captivity, stating that the government is reviewing its response mechanisms. Military analysts echoed Kalfon’s concerns, noting that intelligence gaps and diplomatic constraints often slow rescue missions.

Looking ahead

Segev Kalfon’s testimony has become a rallying point for families of other hostages still missing. Advocacy groups are calling for a national commission to investigate the delays and to develop a comprehensive plan for rapid hostage recovery.

“We must learn from this tragedy,” Kalfon said, “so no other family has to wait this long for answers.”