After being held captive by Hamas for 50 days in the Gaza Strip, Israeli woman Avera Mengistu spoke of the psychological warfare endured by the Hamas, saying that it was difficult to weather the psychological effects of their captivity. Mengistu said that the Hamas captors subjected him to psychological torture and humiliation, including placing him in solitary confinement. Mengistu also described being subjected to constant intimidation and threats, which left him feeling that he couldn’t protect himself. In the end, Mengistu was freed, but the psychological trauma of his ordeal will stay with him for years to come. He is thankful to be safe and out of the hands of Hamas, but the psychological consequences of his captivity will remain long after his physical recovery.
