A former Israeli hostage, Eli Sharabi, whose British-Israeli wife and children were tragically killed by Hamas in the attacks on October 7, 2023, expresses deep concern over the current peace efforts aimed at ending the Israel-Hamas conflict. In a touching interview, Sharabi, who gained international attention after being taken hostage, remarked on how the ongoing violence is endangering not only the remaining hostages but also the prospects for peace in the region.
Sharabi's heart-wrenching ordeal continued even after his release; he found out on that fateful day of his freedom in February 2025 that his wife Lianne and daughters, Noiya and Yahel, had been murdered during the chaos. He called upon U.S. President Donald Trump, urging him to leverage his influence to ensure the release of hostages still held by Hamas.
He told Hamas, War is wrong and awful for both sides. With the recent 20-point peace plan negotiated between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Sharabi expressed his hope for a resolution yet remained apprehensive about its acceptance by Hamas, which has hinted at rejection.
After spending 491 days in captivity, Sharabi reflected on the trauma of his experience, including starvation and abuse, driven by his promise to return to his family. His sentiments convey a poignant resilience, stating, It was very tough, but I really, really love life as he strives to fill the void left by his loved ones.
As the second anniversary of the attacks approaches, Eli Sharabi is determined not to let the memory of his family fade, showing incredible strength while campaigning for the reconstruction of his life and supporting the release of other hostages. His story is a powerful reminder of the human capacity for endurance amid despair.