After 16 months of uncertainty, Eli Sharabi has been released from Hamas captivity, but his family is conflicted, feeling both relief and distress over his gaunt appearance and the tragic loss of his wife and daughters during the October 7 attack.
British Family Rejoices Over Hostage's Release Amid Distress Over His Condition
British Family Rejoices Over Hostage's Release Amid Distress Over His Condition
Eli Sharabi’s family expresses deep emotions as they welcome his release from Gaza, while concerns grow over his physical and mental state post-captivity.
The British family of Eli Sharabi, an Israeli hostage released from Gaza on Saturday, is experiencing a tumultuous mix of emotions. Celebrating the end of a 16-month ordeal following his captivity by Hamas, his relatives are nonetheless deeply concerned about his fragile condition and potential knowledge of their tragic losses.
Mr. Sharabi, 52, was taken from Kibbutz Beeri during the October 7 attacks, which also claimed the lives of his British-born wife Lianne and their two teenage daughters, Noiya and Yahel. His brother-in-law, Steve Brisley from Bridgend, South Wales, shared the family’s conflicting feelings of joy and heartache upon hearing his name on a release list.
"The whole pendulum of emotions is overwhelming,” said Brisley in an interview just after Eli's release to the Red Cross in Deir al-Balah. While expressing relief that Eli is alive after so long in uncertainty, Brisley described witnessing his distraught appearance as "incredibly difficult." He noted Eli’s physical state, saying he looked "gaunt, thin" and without vitality.
The family released a statement expressing happiness for Eli’s freedom but revulsion over the manner of his release, categorized as a "grotesque spectacle." The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) echoed the family’s concerns, calling for more dignity in future release operations and raising alarms about the treatment of hostages.
Brisley further highlighted the emotional turmoil, revealing the family is unsure whether Eli is aware of the deaths of his wife and daughters. His father-in-law, Pete Brisley, added that the uncertainty over Eli’s knowledge regarding his family’s fate adds a heavy emotional burden.
Lianne Sharabi had roots in Staple Hill, Bristol, and she and Eli shared a life in Israel. Tragically, their daughters were just 16 and 13 when they lost their lives. The family awaits more clarity regarding Eli's mental state, hoping to learn his first words upon reunification at a hospital.
Foreign secretary David Lammy praised the release of Eli and two other hostages, mentioning the unimaginable suffering endured by the families involved. The recent hostage release aligns with ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel, facilitating exchanges of captives, including the liberation of 566 prisoners so far.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with Israeli operations allegedly leading to nearly 47,500 Palestinian deaths, highlighting the toll this war has taken on countless lives. The family now navigates a complex path of rebuilding after both joy and sorrow following Eli’s release.
