A statement from the Sharabi and Brisley families and their lawyers said: “We and our clients, the Sharabi and Brisley families, are delighted that after 16 months in captivity, Eli Sharabi has today, Saturday, 8 February 2025, been released from being held as a hostage in Gaza by the Hamas terrorist organisation.
Family of freed hostage horrified at ‘grotesque spectacle’ of his release The family of released hostage Eli Sharabi have said they are “delighted” he is finally free but horrified at his physical condition and the “grotesque spectacle” of his release.
The television images of Mr Sharabi, flanked by Hamas gunmen and looking frail as he stood on a stage during the hostage exchange, on Saturday were the first time in 16 months his Bristol-based family were sure he was alive.
Mr Sharabi and Mr Ben Ami were both seized from kibbutz Be’eri, and Mr Levy was captured at the Nova music festival.
Mr Sharabi, 52, and fellow captives Ohad Ben Ami, 56, and Or Levy, 34, appeared thin as they were paraded by Hamas gunmen on to a stage in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza.
