An Israeli man, Eli Sharabi, who was held hostage by Hamas for 491 days, recently shared his harrowing experience of starvation and loss while in captivity. Sharabi was released earlier this month along with two other hostages as part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
During his captivity, Sharabi was kept in the dark about the tragic fate of his wife and daughters, who were killed during an attack in 2023. Upon his release, he learned of their deaths and was overcome with grief.
Sharabi described the emotional moment when he was informed of his family's fate by a family friend and psychologist. He expressed his hope that his loved ones did not suffer and are now in a better place.
Additionally, Sharabi shed light on the dire conditions faced by hostages, including limited food rations of only one meal a day, consisting of meager portions. He spoke of the longing for simple freedoms like enjoying a home-cooked meal.
Despite Hamas claiming to have provided food to the hostages during a time of famine in the region, Sharabi's account paints a grim picture of their ordeal.
Sharabi also highlighted the plight of his fellow hostage, Alon Ohel, with whom he shared a bond during their captivity. He emphasized the humanity of hostages and urged people not to forget about them.
The ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas has resulted in the release of several hostages and Palestinian prisoners. However, negotiations for the next phase of the truce are ongoing as the first phase is set to end soon.
Sharabi's story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflicts and the importance of compassion towards those affected by such tragedies.
