Hamas Drugged Hostages Before Releasing them

Hamas reportedly administered a tranquilizer, identified as Clonazepam by Health Ministry official Hagar Mizrahi, to Israeli hostages before their release, aiming to create an appearance of happiness. Speaking before the Knesset Health Committee, Mizrahi disclosed that the drug, commonly used for seizure and panic disorders, was given to the captives before they were handed over to the Red Cross.

Clonazepam, also known as Klonopin or Rivotril in some places, is typically taken orally and has a calming effect on the nervous system. Side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, impaired coordination, and fatigue. Prolonged use or misuse of the medication can result in dependency, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms.

Mizrahi did not specify whether the information was based on blood tests, testimonies from the hostages, or a combination of both. Committee chairman MK Yoni Meshariki has urged the Health Ministry to provide an official report with detailed findings and evidence to be shared with health organizations worldwide.

The hostages, comprising 81 Israelis, 23 Thais, and one Filipino, were freed in a prisoner exchange during a temporary ceasefire. Currently, Hamas holds 137 individuals, including men, women, children, soldiers, and foreigners, captive in Gaza.

The article also mentions that at least 1,200 people were killed in Hamas attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7, with some individuals still unaccounted for as Israeli authorities continue efforts to identify bodies and search for human remains.