Hostage gives Details of his Captivity

 (Briefing from Israeli Consul Scotland)

Qaid Farhan Alkadi, who was rescued from Hamas captivity on Tuesday in a joint operation by the IDF and Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), revealed details from his captivity, including undergoing surgery with almost no anaesthesia and witnessing the murder of a fellow hostage.

 

Alkadi stated that he was shot in the leg by terrorists on October 7 and, while in captivity, underwent surgery to remove the bullet.  "The surgery was done with almost no anaesthesia, and it was extremely painful. Initially, I was held in an apartment with other hostages, and there was very little food."

 

Alkadi said that just a few weeks after he was taken hostage, terrorists filmed other hostages held with him. He recounted that in the video, one could see hostages dying, which was filmed but never released by the terrorists. He shared how he witnessed the murder of the hostage Aryeh Zalmanovich beside him.  Alkadi was allowed to bathe once a month, stating, "Once a month, they let me bathe in a basin. I was kept alone in a tunnel, in complete darkness."

 

Regarding his movement in Gaza, he said, "After about two months, the terrorists moved me to a tunnel. There, I was alone, surrounded only by the terrorists. I couldn't tell the difference between day and night."  "The terrorists were masked and mostly gave me slices of bread to eat.  There was very little food. It was pitch black, and I would place my hands over my eyes to make sure I could still see; it was that dark.

 

Alkadi also recounted the story of his rescue. He said that he heard extensive IDF bombing in Gaza, and in his final days of captivity, terrorists left him a small portion of bread and fled. Only later, he would hear Hebrew and realise that IDF soldiers were operating nearby.

 

Prior to entering the tunnel where Alkadi was held, soldiers carried out operations and actions that led to the escape of the terrorists holding Alkadi. After this, the soldiers began searching the tunnel. Alkadi called out to them in Hebrew, and they engaged in a conversation to ensure it wasn't a trap. They finally extracted him safely.