In a heart-breaking revelation, Eli Sharabi, an Israeli hostage recently freed from Gaza, was informed that his wife and two daughters had been killed in the October 7 attack by Hamas. His British in-laws, Gill and Pete Brisley, confirmed that an Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) soldier broke the devastating news to him following his release on Saturday.
Sharabi, who was taken hostage over 16 months ago, had remained unaware of the fate of his family. His wife, Lianne Sharabi, originally from Bristol, and their daughters, Noiya and Yahel, were tragically found murdered in their safe house, where they had been sheltering together.
An Emotional Reunion Amid Tragedy
Sharabi was among three hostages handed over to the Red Cross in a carefully staged release in Deir al-Balah, Gaza, as part of an internationally brokered ceasefire agreement. During the emotional moment, he expressed his joy at returning to his family—unaware that they had perished.
His British in-laws, speaking to the BBC, recounted their first video call with Sharabi post-release. “He was lucid, but his voice was husky. He got choked up a couple of times but managed a small smile for us. Such a brave man,” said Gill and Pete Brisley, who are preparing to travel to see him.
The couple, who live in Bridgend, South Wales, were overwhelmed with emotion watching the livestream of his release. “Seeing his gaunt face, hollow eyes, and sunken cheeks was heartbreaking,” Mr. Brisley said. His wife added, “I was cuddling Lianne’s teddy bear, and it just brought back everything we lost.”
The Impact of Captivity
Sharabi’s ordeal in captivity took a visible toll, with his emaciated appearance shocking those who knew him. His in-laws, devastated by the loss of their daughter and granddaughters, are now focused on supporting Sharabi as he begins the long process of healing.
“The only thing keeping us going is knowing that Eli is back,” said Mrs. Brisley. “At least one member of our family is still alive. Now, we must cherish the memories of our loved ones and ensure they are never forgotten.”
Sharabi’s story is intertwined with deep personal loss. His brother, Yossi, was also taken hostage on October 7 but later died in captivity. Hamas claimed he was killed in an Israeli airstrike, though Israeli officials have not confirmed this.
Ceasefire Deal and Ongoing Tensions
Sharabi’s release was part of a wider ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which commenced on January 19. Under the terms of the deal, 33 Israeli hostages taken during the October 7 attack are to be freed in staggered exchanges for 1,900 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
On Saturday, 183 Palestinian detainees were released alongside the three Israeli hostages. Since the ceasefire began, 16 Israeli hostages and 566 Palestinian prisoners have been freed.
The October 7 Hamas-led assault saw 251 hostages taken and around 1,200 people killed in Israel, igniting the ongoing conflict. Israel’s subsequent military offensive in Gaza has resulted in over 47,500 reported Palestinian deaths, with the United Nations estimating that two-thirds of the region’s infrastructure has been destroyed.
The Road Ahead
As global diplomatic efforts continue to stabilise the region, the human cost of war remains at the forefront. For Eli Sharabi, his release from captivity marks a new battle—one of grieving, recovery, and rebuilding life after an unimaginable loss. His in-laws are determined to support him, but the weight of their shared sorrow lingers.
“We hope to help Eli return to some kind of normality,” Mr. Brisley stated. “We will always honour the memory of Lianne, Noiya, and Yahel, and we will never let their story be forgotten.”
The harrowing reality of hostage crises, war, and the enduring scars of conflict serves as a reminder of the devastating human cost of geopolitical turmoil.
