Elderly Israeli hostage shares harrowing cooking ordeal in Gaza

Luis Har, a 72-year-old Israeli man, shared his harrowing experience of being held hostage by Hamas for 129 days. Har was forced to cook meals for his captors while living under constant threat in a small apartment in Gaza. Alongside four other hostages, he endured harsh conditions and limited food. In the beginning, Har was able to prepare meals using various ingredients, making dishes like shakshuka and soups. However, as supplies dwindled, the situation worsened. He and another hostage, Fernando, ended up sharing just one pita and a liter of water daily. They felt compelled to hide their food to prevent the terrorists from taking it. During his captivity, Har's health deteriorated significantly. He lost 35 pounds and became weak due to malnutrition. Freed hostages have reported similar weight losses, with some losing up to 40% of their body weight. Har described how his body slowed down due to lack of food and water, making daily activities challenging. The hostages were constantly on edge, aware of the potential danger from their captors. Har recounted that they had to be cautious about their behavior, as the terrorists could be unpredictable. They endured poor hygiene conditions, with only one bucket of cold water for sharing among five people every two weeks. As fighting resumed in Gaza, Har revealed that about 24 hostages are believed to still be alive, while at least 35 are thought to be dead. Now free, Har is touring North America to raise awareness about the ongoing hostage situation and the realities faced by those still in captivity. He aims to provide a truthful account of his ordeal and maintain hope for the families of those still missing.