'Hamas Tortured Us': Russian-Israeli Ex-hostage's Testimony Clashes With Putin's Pro-Gaza Rhetoric Former Russian-Israeli hostage has delivered one of the most harrowing testimonies since the October 7 attack — and his words now collide directly with Russia’s long-standing support for the people of Gaza throughout the war. Maxim Herkin, abducted during the 2023 assault and held underground for 738 days, described a tunnel system so brutal that captives were forced to choose which of them would die next. Speaking in Haifa, he recalled Hamas fighters mocking hostages as they begged for their lives, crying with their hands raised, pleading not to be shot. Herkin said he was kept 20 metres below ground for more than 16 months, beaten, psychologically tormented, and filmed with the phrase “eye

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