Andrey Kozlov, a Russian-Israeli citizen, recently shared the traumatic details of his eight-month captivity in Gaza at the hands of Hamas fighters. Kozlov described enduring intense psychological and physical abuse, including being left to stew in his sweat under blankets in the scorching Gaza heat and facing threats of murder and filming.
After being abducted from a music festival, Kozlov was tied up with ropes and chains for months, subjected to various forms of punishment and psychological torture. He and two other hostages were eventually rescued in a daring operation that resulted in casualties on both sides.
Kozlov's ordeal included being constantly exposed to the sound of Israeli bombings, arbitrary punishments by guards, and witnessing the split personality of the main guard who oscillated between friendliness and threats of violence.
Despite the harsh conditions, Kozlov considers himself fortunate compared to other hostages he saw during his captivity. He emphasized the urgent need to secure the release of the remaining hostages and pleaded for understanding and swift action from Israeli officials.
Efforts to negotiate a ceasefire-for-hostages deal have faced challenges, with Hamas warning of potential disruptions due to Israeli actions in Gaza. While there have been indications of progress in talks, key sticking points remain unresolved.
For Kozlov, the dates of his capture and rescue have taken on significant meaning, with each marking a new chapter in his life. He expressed hope for the safe return of the remaining hostages and urged all parties involved to prioritize their release.
