Freed Israeli Hostage Unaware of Family Tragedy Until Release

Synopsis

Eli Sharabi, a freed Israeli hostage, was shocked to learn about the murder of his wife and daughters during the October 7 Hamas attack after spending 491 days in captivity. This release marks a critical moment in the ongoing conflict, highlighting the tragic impact on families.

Key Takeaways

Eli Sharabi was unaware of his family's fate during captivity.
He was released after 491 days in captivity.
The release was part of a prisoner exchange involving 183 Palestinian prisoners.
His family was murdered in Kibbutz Be'eri.
This marks the fifth hostage-prisoner swap in the ongoing conflict.

Jerusalem, Feb 9 (NationPress) Eli Sharabi, one of the three Israeli hostages released on Saturday, was in the dark about the tragic fate of his wife and two daughters during the October 7, 2023, Hamas assault until he was freed.

Upon his release, Eli (52) expressed his overwhelming joy, stating, "I am very happy today. I am happy to be back with my family and friends, my wife and daughters."

However, after enduring 491 days in captivity, he remained oblivious to the fact that his wife, Lianne, and daughters, Noya (16) and Yahel (13), had been murdered in their home located in Kibbutz Be'eri.

To add to the heartache, he learned that his brother, Yossi Sharabi, had also died while in captivity, with his remains still being held in Gaza.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) posted a photo of Eli alongside his mother and sister on social media, remarking, "In these moments, we remember his wife, Lianne, and two daughters, Yahel and Noiya, who were murdered by Hamas on October 7, along with his brother Yossi, who was kidnapped and murdered while in captivity."

Eli Sharabi was among the three hostages released by Hamas as part of a recent prisoner exchange agreement, which resulted in Israel releasing 183 Palestinian prisoners under a ceasefire arrangement brokered internationally.

The other two freed hostages, Ohad Ben Ami and Or Levy, were handed over to the Red Cross prior to reuniting with their families in Israel.

Upon his release, many were taken aback by Eli's frail condition.

Meanwhile, Palestinian prisoners received a warm welcome upon their return in Ramallah and other regions of the occupied West Bank. Representatives indicated that some of them needed medical attention, although specific details were lacking.

This release signifies the fifth hostage-prisoner exchange as part of the initial phase of a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel, facilitated by Egypt and Qatar with support from the United States. As part of this agreement, Israel initiated the release of 183 Palestinian prisoners on Saturday.

Abdullah al-Zaghari, head of the Palestinian Prisoners Club, confirmed that the freed prisoners, who were transported by the International Committee of the Red Cross, had arrived in Ramallah. Television footage captured a large gathering welcoming them.

According to the Hamas-affiliated Prisoners' Media Office, the released Palestinian prisoners include 18 individuals serving life sentences, 54 with lengthy sentences, and 111 from Gaza who were detained after the October 7 attack.

Under the ceasefire deal effective from January 19, Hamas is set to release 33 hostages, while Israel will free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.