World
Hostage Situation in Gaza
Learn about the recent hostage situation in Gaza, including the latest updates, impact on civilians, and efforts to resolve the crisis peacefully.
Andrey Kozlov found himself idling away in a dim room in Gaza with two fellow hostages, enduring the presence of a guard who was often heard typing on a laptop just beyond the door. The guard, known simply as “Muhammad,” maintained a constant vigil in the apartment, with different nicknames such as Big Muhammad and Little Muhammad used to distinguish between the guards. One particular guard, with a rounded face, earned the moniker “Muhammad Chubby Cheeks.”
During his eight months of captivity, Andrey Kozlov, along with Almog Meir Jan and Shlomi Ziv, was moved between six different locations before settling in an apartment in mid-December. The living conditions were dire in some places, where basic amenities were scarce, and food was in short supply. Mr. Kozlov even mentioned losing around 20 pounds during his time in captivity.