Former Gaza hostages Eitan and Iair Horn were kept in a tunnel packed with explosives, their sister-in-law Dalia Cusnir said.
“Hamas constantly warned them that if the IDF got close, they’d all die – the hostages and the terrorists,” she told KAN Reshet Bet on Friday. “They lived every second knowing that the tunnel could collapse or explode at any moment.”
While in captivity, the Horns bonded with fellow hostages Nimrod Cohen and David Cunio, Cusnir said, adding that they often discussed what they would do once they were free.
“They understood they had to stay strong and take care of each other,” she said. “When one of them was down, someone else lifted him up.”
Both brothers have a long road to physical and psychological recovery after the extreme abuse they suffered, Cusnir said.
Eitan, Yair Horn kept in room of explosives
“They’re both home and alive, and that’s everything for us,” she said. “But the road ahead is long, emotionally, physically, and, at the most basic level, in terms of safety... Eitan, especially, is deeply moved by the love and support he’s receiving from the people of Israel. But he’s also worried, because while our family’s circle is closed, other families are still waiting.”
Cusnir also spoke about the effects captivity had on the hostages’ families. Her husband, Amos, was supposed to be in Kibbutz Nir Oz with his brothers when the October 7 massacre took place, she said.
“Sometimes that thought sneaks in: that all three brothers could have been taken,” she added. “But I try to push it away. Amos has carried a lot of guilt, feeling that he wasn’t there to protect them, drinking his morning coffee while they were suffering underground. There’s a long road ahead for all of us.”
Eitan and Iair were held together in captivity until Iair was released together with Sagui Dekel this past February, when Hamas made the two “choose” who would be freed.
“Eitan watched them go and later saw the footage of their release,” Cusnir said. “That kind of psychological torment leaves deep wounds.”
“Sometimes that thought sneaks in, that all three brothers could have been taken,” she said. “But I try to push it away. Amos has carried a lot of guilt, feeling that he wasn’t there to protect them, drinking his morning coffee while they were suffering underground. There’s a long road ahead for all of us.”