Some of the hostages released from Gaza during the current cease-fire had been held in Hamas tunnels for up to eight months straight, deprived of daylight and with little to no human contact, an Israeli general said. The hostages said their treatment improved in the days leading up to their release, when they were allowed to shower, change their clothes, and received better food. Some had not received proper treatment for wounds sustained when they were captured during the Hamas-led attack on Israel in October 2023, and some showed signs of 'mild starvation.' Israeli authorities believe most of the hostages due to be released in the first phase of the cease-fire are alive, but fear for the lives of the rest.