Former Gaza hostage Evyatar David celebrates Eliya Cohen's wedding as victory over Hamas - report

Former Gaza hostage Evyatar David expressed his jubilation as Eliya Cohen, another former captive, married recently, describing it as a significant victory over Hamas in an interview with CNN. This marked the first time David had spoken to international media about his experience as a Hamas hostage, following his abduction. He stated that though Hamas tried to ruin the lives of both them and their families, they ultimately failed.

However, David acknowledged enduring intense psychological trauma from his captivity, with his emotional state fluctuating unpredictably. He also criticized the Israeli government, expressing hope that a future administration would provide better support for former hostages.

He was among those abducted from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023, alongside his childhood friend Guy Gilboa-Dalal, held captive by Hamas until October 13, 2025. During this period, Hamas disseminated propaganda videos, one showing him forced to witness another captives' staged release ceremony, and another displaying him gaunt and frail while digging his own grave due to starvation.

David vividly described the hardship he faced, emphasizing that while the act was staged, it relied on the truth of the severe malnutrition he and others suffered. The guards, on the other hand, enjoyed luxuries like food, air conditioning, and television, which David accused Hamas of lying about to justify their cruelty.

David expressed skepticism regarding the prospects of US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace achieving a lasting peace between Israel and Gaza, attributing this to the group's ideological desire for the entire land.