Freed Hostage Urges United Nations to Act for Captives’ Release

UNITED NATIONS — Former Hamas hostage Eli Sharabi delivered a poignant testimony to the United Nations Security Council, urgently proclaiming, “Bring them all home now.” This appeal comes in the wake of his release less than six weeks ago, during which he has tirelessly sought support for other hostages still held by Hamas.

Recalling his harrowing experience, Sharabi stated, “On Oct. 7, my heaven turned to hell.” He described the chaos that unfolded when Hamas militants invaded Kibbutz Be’eri, seizing him away from his family forever.

Kibbutz Be’eri suffered particularly devastating losses during the Oct. 7 attack, witnessing the deaths of over 100 residents and the kidnapping of 30 individuals, according to reports from the Israel Defense Forces. Tragically, among those killed were Sharabi’s wife and two daughters, and he learned of their deaths only upon his return from Gaza.

Sharabi detailed the heartbreaking moment of his arrival back home: “Then I arrived home. They told me my mother and sister were waiting for me. I said, ‘Get me my wife and daughters.’ And that was when I knew. They were gone. They had been murdered.” Compounding his pain, Sharabi’s brother Yossi was also taken hostage and succumbed in captivity, with his remains still in Gaza.

Upon his release on February 8, alongside fellow hostages Or Levy and Ohad Ben Ami, the condition of the three men shocked the world. Israeli President Isaac Herzog remarked, “what a crime against humanity looks like.” Former President Donald Trump echoed this sentiment, noting their appearance resembled that of Holocaust survivors suffering from years of neglect.

Sharabi recounted that upon returning, he weighed only 44 kilograms, or 97 pounds. He revealed the torment of extreme starvation and the brutality he endured, including beatings that left him with broken ribs, leaving him perpetually hungry.

He testified about the meager sustenance he received while in captivity, averaging only one pita per day, often resorting to begging for additional food. During his address to the council, he raised concerns about the distribution of humanitarian aid.

Sharabi stated, “I know that you discuss the humanitarian situation in Gaza very often. But let me tell you, as an eyewitness, I saw what happened to that aid. Hamas stole it.” He described witnessing Hamas militants transporting boxes marked with U.N. and UNRWA logos into tunnels, emphasizing the absurdity of aid meant for civilians being redirected to feed terrorists responsible for his suffering and the death of his family.

Others hostages have shared similar accounts, stating that Hamas often taunted them by consuming food in their presence while denying any to the captives.

He added, “When you speak of humanitarian aid, remember this: Hamas eats like kings while hostages starve. Hamas steals from civilians. Hamas blocks aid from reaching those who truly need it.”

Sharabi’s remarks extended beyond criticism of Hamas to a condemnation of international organizations like the U.N. and the Red Cross for their inaction and silence regarding the plight of hostages.

He asked pointedly, “Where was the United Nations? Where was the Red Cross? Where was the world?” His questions resonated deeply, highlighting a perceived failure to prioritize humanitarian concerns.

Support for Sharabi’s claims also came from Israeli U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon, who said the Security Council neglected the issue of hostages and failed to address the humanitarian crisis created by Hamas. He chastised the “entire U.N. system” for its abandonment of the hostages.

Danon insisted that the ongoing conflict would not reach a resolution until all remaining hostages are returned safely to their families.

In his emotional appeal, Sharabi concluded by issuing a stark demand to the gathered members of the council: “Bring them all home. No more excuses. No more delays. If you stand for humanity — prove it. Bring them home.” This powerful message encapsulated the urgency of the situation, reaffirming the necessity for immediate action in the face of ongoing humanitarian crises.