Ex-Israeli hostage says she was held captive by Hamas in a hospital in Gaza. Hear what it was like.
In a heart-wrenching account, Sharon Aloni Cunio, who was held captive with her twin daughters in Gaza for more than 50 days, reveals the harrowing experience they endured in a Gaza hospital. Aloni Cunio's family was among the more than 250 people kidnapped during the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7.
Separated from her husband, David Cunio, during the chaos of the attacks, Aloni Cunio and her daughters were eventually reunited with him in captivity at Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza. Aloni Cunio's testimony potentially supports US and Israeli assessments that hospitals were used to shelter hostages during the conflict.
According to Aloni Cunio, the hostages were kept in three rooms at Nasser Hospital, each holding between 10 and 12 captives. She described the living conditions as harsh, with inadequate sleeping arrangements, limited access to hygiene facilities, and meagre, mouldy food. Aloni Cunio also highlighted the toll on her mental health, as she was unable to access her depression medication.
The family's release came during a weeklong truce at the end of November, but it was bittersweet for Aloni Cunio, as she was forced to leave her husband behind. David, informed by Hamas that the deal with Israel allowed only women and children to be sent back, remained in captivity. Aloni Cunio, now back in Israel with her daughters, passionately advocates for the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza, including her husband.
Expressing her determination, Aloni Cunio stated, "Everything needs to be done to make a deal and bring them home." She reassured her husband, "I love you, and I can't wait to see you," as she fought for his release from afar. The international community closely watches the situation, with hopes for a resolution to reunite families torn apart during the conflict.
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