The image of three Israeli hostages released by Hamas has caused strong reactions. Ohad Ben Ami (56 years old), Eli Sarabi (52 years old) and Or Levi (34 years old) arrived in Israel after 16 months of captivity and the photos show them emaciated.
According to the Israeli Ministry of Health, the three hostages are malnourished and have lost a lot of weight during their 491 days of captivity.
"These are difficult scenes," Health Ministry spokesman Dr. Hagar Mizrahi said at a press conference from Tel Aviv's Ichilov Hospital, where two of the freed hostages are being treated.
The three hostages appeared weak and helpless when they were released, 16 months after their abduction from Kibbutz Beeri and the Nova music festival. But doctors were also "thrilled to see them walking, standing and proud," the Health Ministry spokesman added.
"The hostages and their families will receive a wide range of treatments, designed to meet their physical and emotional needs," Mizrahi added.
Eli Sarabi has emerged with a thick beard and shaved head, having lost a lot of weight. His British wife, Liane Brisley, and his teenage daughters, Noah and Yahel, were killed after he fell into the hands of terrorists.
Eli Sarabi's in-laws said they were horrified by his appearance. "I can barely speak now," says a shocked Jillian Breezley. "He looks like he's been to Belsen," says Pete Breezley, referring to the World War II concentration camp.
Some politicians reacted angrily to the images that the whole world saw today, as did ordinary citizens in many countries.
"Israel will not forget the image of the three frail hostages who were taken to a platform in Gaza and forced to give an interview orchestrated by Hamas gunmen before their release today," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog protested the situation of the three freed hostages, saying it amounted to a crime against humanity and called on the world to act. "This is what a crime against humanity looks like," he wrote in a post on X. (A2 Televizion)
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