A Captive Audience – the Psychology of the Hostage story in Gaza
Now that all the hostages have been released, it is important to analyze the phenomena that characterized how they were held and treated. Only then can we attempt to understand and evaluate the psychological effects of captivity—both in the short and long term.
As a psychologist with years of experience preparing special IDF units and journalists for captivity and interrogation, I must admit that Gaza presents a category of its own. The long periods of captivity, the different conditions in which hostages were kept, and their treatment and nutrition make this an exceptionally complex case. There is no “one size fits all” approach to assessing their psychological state, regardless of individual personality traits.
As a civilian psychologist, I have successfully treated several soldiers suffering from PTSD as a result of the Gaza war—many of whom reached me after seeing a post on Janglo. Through practical recommendations, they quickly returned to a high level of functioning, though it is safe to assume that only time will allow them to recover fully.
As a reserve officer, I was automatically mobilized on October 7 after my brigade commander was killed. My unofficial role was “Combat Psychologist,” a function that does not formally exist in the IDF. I therefore operated independently, defining my duties according to the brigade’s needs, as I saw them. Initially stationed at a base on the Gaza border, I diagnosed and treated soldiers suffering from PTSD, and lesser forms of trauma.
On October 9, I drove alone to the Gaza border in my own car, while most of the brigade redeployed to the Lebanese front. Driving the full length of Road 232 along the Gaza border, I encountered very little traffic—most of the time, it was just the terrorists and me. Twice I was stopped because terrorists had been spotted a few hundred meters ahead; a combat company dispersed the first group, and an Apache helicopter dispatched the second.
At the base, I treated soldiers from various units. I believe that five of the seven soldiers temporarily released from their combat teams returned to duty. (Two of those released did not actually suffer from PTSD—they simply had motivational issues. In short, they didn’t like being shot at. Perhaps they hadn’t read the job description.)
I also worked with the female Field Intelligence observers (tatspitaniot) as a group. When terrorists penetrated the base, their position came under fire, yet they continued to operate their functioning equipment until the door was nearly breached – and then they had to take cover. After the terrorists were neutralized, they immediately resumed operational activity. “Superstars” is the only word that comes to mind when describing them—the pride of Israel. (My older daughter served in that same unit years ago, also on the Gaza border.)
Inexperienced Mental Health Officers (not psychologists) arrived four days later—after I had already concluded my work with the PTSD cases. “Too little, too late” is the kindest assessment I can offer. The battalion commander didn’t even grant them permission to work.
In my book The Combat Psychologist, I describe numerous examples of the IDF’s shortcomings in both preventing and treating PTSD. Only a small fraction of combat soldiers receives any preparation for possible captivity, and not always from psychologists. There is no Chief Psychologist in the IDF. Instead, the military has split individual and social psychology into two separate, uncoordinated units. Most of the officers in these units are not psychologists, though many present themselves as such—which is illegal.
Many PTSD sufferers can be reintegrated into their units within a day or two, if both they and their commanders receive appropriate preparation. Unfortunately, in this war, with no psychologists deployed in the battle zone, most soldiers referred to a Mental Health Officer arrived days later, and far from the front line. Most were released from their units unnecessarily—bad for the units, and worse for the soldiers themselves.
As a combat soldier and officer with experience in hostage rescue units, I also encountered operational surprises in this area—though I am not at liberty to discuss them. This article focuses on the psychological dimension, with some reference to medical aspects.
I have trained foreign journalists for potential hostage situations in my workshop A Captive Audience. The first part focused on avoiding capture altogether, outlining ways to reduce the risk. The main section addressed behavioral adaptation during captivity—how to maintain a sense of control without alerting captors. The simulations were challenging but not traumatic. You can find an article about one such workshop by googling: Toronto Star Rocky Abramson.
As a special forces’ psychologist, I conducted various levels of training in several units to prepare soldiers for imprisonment and interrogation. Unfortunately, I cannot elaborate further.
All front-line troops should receive at least half a day of psychological preparation for potential capture or imprisonment. The interrogation component is complex and should be limited to select units. At least one of the released hostages had undergone such training, which likely gave him an advantage in coping.
Psychological Stressors of Captivity
The body and mind function in tandem. Dehydration, malnutrition, physical abuse, and lack of sunlight or fresh air all amplify psychological stress.
Age factor: Hamas murdered many of the children or released them early. Among adults, younger hostages lacked experience managing extreme stress, while those in their 30s–50s generally had more coping tools. Older hostages, though more experienced, faced greater physical challenges due to weaker bodies and illness.
Length of captivity: Both psychological and physical resources erode over time. This form of burnout was also evident among combat soldiers fighting for extended periods, leading to high rates of PTSD—exacerbated by the lack of professional psychological support in the field.
Uncertainty: Hostages had no idea what would happen to them, how the war was progressing, or how their families were coping. Many were isolated from news and subjected to lies by their captors. Being told that “nobody cares” and that they would “never be released” inflicted deep despair. Tragically, some political statements seemed to validate those fears.
For example, at least one hostage reported being beaten after government ministers publicly opposed a ceasefire or called for the annihilation of Hamas. When ministers stated that freeing hostages was secondary to destroying Hamas, hostages understandably lost hope.
Environment: Being held underground in tunnels caused severe claustrophobia. The lack of fresh air, light, sanitation, and communication compounded the stress. IDF bombings nearby made the ground shake violently; some hostages were killed this way, so the fear of each explosion was visceral and constant.
Social isolation: One of the most underrated stressors was whether a hostage was held alone or with others. Human beings need social contact; isolation deprives them of emotional and physical support, intensifying despair.
Learned helplessness: A term coined by psychologist Martin Seligman in the 1960s to describe the behavior of concentration camp prisoners, this state occurs when individuals feel they have no control over their situation, leading to deep depression and loss of motivation. The longer the captivity, the stronger this effect.
Hostages who were chained, caged, starved, dehydrated, abused, and confined to tunnels—particularly those who endured the full 738 days—will likely face the most severe long-term psychological consequences.
Malnutrition: Starvation and dehydration severely weaken both body and mind. A colleague of mine, formerly a physician for U.S. astronauts, told me that returning hostages may struggle to eat normally for a month or two, and may suffer irreversible damage due to malnutrition.
Torture and physical trauma: Captured soldiers were almost certainly interrogated and tortured. Some were already wounded during the October 7 attacks. These younger adult hostages, released last, are expected to face the most complex and prolonged rehabilitation processes.
Rehabilitation and Hope
From reports and news coverage, my impression is that Israeli hospitals are providing outstanding care—both physical and psychological—to the released hostages, guided by professionals who have learned from previous cases. Still, even with the best treatment, long-term medical and psychological effects are inevitable.
Amid all the suffering, we must also recognize the positive. The tireless support of hundreds of thousands of citizens who demonstrated for the hostages’ release was a powerful source of encouragement. Upon their return, thousands lined the roads, singing and dancing outside hospitals. The love and support for these individuals will, I hope, continue for years to come.
I wish to end on a personal and uplifting note. Eli Sharabi from Kibbutz Be’eri, released after 491 days of captivity, lost his wife, two daughters, and brother to Hamas terrorists. His rapid physical and emotional recovery, alongside his mourning, has been remarkable. If not “a light among nations,” he is certainly an inspiration to me.
Writing this now stirs deep emotions, so please forgive me if I have omitted other important aspects of this tragic yet extraordinary story.
