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Freed Hostages Detail Torture and Sexual Abuse by Hamas at UN Anti-Torture Hearing

Their on-record statements press the UN for scrutiny to prevent future abuses.

Overview

  • Keith and Aviva Siegel testified in Geneva before the UN Committee Against Torture on Wednesday, describing their treatment in Hamas captivity.
  • They recounted systematic humiliation and deprivation, including forced nudity, body shaving, starvation, denial of water, and restrictions on using the bathroom.
  • Aviva said she witnessed a young female hostage report being sexually assaulted and described guards enforcing extreme control over movement for hours each day.
  • Keith said he spent roughly six months in complete isolation after Aviva’s release, while Aviva described 51 days of captivity, rapid weight loss, contaminated drinking water, and injuries to a boy caused during cuff removal.
  • Both framed their testimony as a plea for accountability and prevention, with no immediate legal or enforcement actions reported by the committee.