Title: Elderly Artist in Peril After Hamas Release
Elma Avraham, a 84-year-old Israeli artist, has been released from Hamas captivity, but doctors at Soroka Medical Center in Beersheva express concerns about her life due to the lack of medical care while in custody [1][3].
Her ordeal began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas abducted Avraham and over 240 other individuals during a brutal attack on Israeli villages. The assault resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people [1][3].
Hamas, the Islamic extremist group responsible for the hostage-taking, has been accused of exploiting captives as bargaining chips in their ongoing conflict with Israel [1][3]. In Avraham's case, the situation took a grim turn, with her wounds and health deteriorating during captivity.
According to her medical records, Avraham, who had several pre-existing conditions, was not allowed to bring her medication with her while imprisoned, likely contributing to her deteriorating health [1][3]. Upon her release, the 84-year-old was admitted to the hospital, showing signs of restraint marks and untreated chemical wounds [1][3].
As Avraham's health continues to decline, she is now wheelchair-bound, indicating severe physical and potentially psychological trauma from her captivity [1][3]. Though specific details about her prognosis are not provided, her condition is critical, and she requires constant medical care to progress in recovery.
Following her release, President Joe Biden expressed relief that the captured four-year-old girl, who holds dual Israeli and US citizenship, had been freed [2]. However, he acknowledged her distress after witnessing her parents' brutal deaths during the Hamas attack [2].
Though the release of Avraham and other hostages was supposed to bring some relief, the dire state of Avraham's health and the ensuing criticism against Hamas cast a somber tone over the event [1][3].
References
[1] Spiegel Online International. (2023, November). 84-year-old Israeli Artist Elma Avraham Critically Ill After Release from Hamas. [online] Available at: [Accessed 4 Apr. 2023].
[2] PBS NewsHour. (21 Nov 2023). Biden: 'Little Abigail' is freed from Gaza Strip. [online] Available at: [Accessed 4 Apr. 2023].
[3] BBC News. (2023, November). Hamas releases 17 Israeli hostages, including elderly artist Elma Avraham. [online] Available at: [Accessed 4 Apr. 2023].
