Israeli hostages recently released from the Gaza Strip have spoken of the harsh conditions they endured during 16 months of captivity by Hamas, a group designated a terrorist organization by the United States. They say they were starved and the men tortured. As VOA correspondent Linda Gradstein reports, they are dedicating their release to the efforts of President Donald Trump and hope his efforts will lead to the release of the remaining hostages soon.
Eli Sharabi was taken hostage in the 'Beeri' neighborhood near the Gaza border on October 7, 2023. His brother, also taken hostage, was killed in captivity. While being held in Gaza, Mr. Sharabi was unaware that his wife and two daughters had been killed in their home by the Palestinian militant group.
During interviews on Israeli television channels he revealed that he had been tortured.
"I remember we couldn't sleep because of the pain. The ropes they were using to tie us up had penetrated our flesh. Every movement we made made us scream. There were moments when we would lose consciousness, wake up after 2 or 3 hours and the pain would continue," says Mr. Sharabi.
Mr. Sharabi was held hostage for nearly 500 days, mostly in underground tunnels. He managed to survive on what little food he had, losing 40% of his body weight. His poor condition, and that of the two other hostages released with him, have shocked and angered Israelis.
"I wasn't impressed by the beatings, even though they beat me until my ribs were broken. Hunger was the main problem, I wanted one more piece of bread," says Mr. Sharabi.
The Hamas terrorist group is still holding the bodies of 35 hostages who were killed in captivity and 24 others who are believed to be still alive. Their families say there is not much time left to rescue them.
"Recently released hostages announced that my son Alon has been locked in a small, dark tunnel 40 meters underground for over 500 days. He is constantly chained to his ankles, beaten, has no food, and has lost significant weight. He has shrapnel in one eye that has blinded him and is at risk of losing his sight in the other eye as well," says Idit Ohel, the mother of hostage Alon Ohel.
After watching Mr. Sharabi's television interview, United States President Donald Trump invited a group of freed hostages to the White House and gave an ultimatum to the Hamas group.
Some former hostages, like Keith Siegel, who has dual US-Israeli citizenship, believe President Trump is the best hope for the release of the remaining hostages. Shortly after his release, Mr. Siegel visited his destroyed home in the Kfar Aza neighborhood and recorded a video thanking President Trump.
"I wanted to tell you once again how urgent it is that all hostages be released and returned to their families. You have done so much so far. We all ask you to continue your efforts and use your ability to enable more progress in the hostage exchange agreements," said Mr. Siegel, the freed Israeli hostage.
President Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff is continuing efforts to ensure the continuation of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Talks are also ongoing to reach a more permanent agreement and for more hostage releases. / Voice of America (A2 Televizion)
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