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, 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.
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.
“We were saddened but unfortunately not surprised at Eli, Ohad and Or’s physical condition and the grotesque spectacle of their release, which should be a wake-up call, if one were needed, to ensure the speedy return of all of the other hostages.”
Mr Sharabi was taken captive by the militants from Kibbutz Beeri, a communal farm that was one of the hardest hit in the Hamas attack on October 7 2023.
His Bristol-born wife, Lianne, and their teenage daughters, Noiya and Yahel, were killed by militants while hiding in their safe room.
His brother, Yossi Sharabi, who lived next door, was killed in captivity.
The family said they did not know whether Mr Sharabi had been told that his wife and daughters were killed on October 7 2023.
Gillian and Pete Brisley watched the handover of their son-in-law, Mr Sharabi, from their home in Britain with bittersweet emotion, thrilled that he was finally free but horrified at his physical condition.
Mr Brisley said “he looks as though he’s been to Belsen”, referring to the Second World War concentration camp.
The three Israeli men were released in the fifth round of exchanges of hostages for Palestinians jailed by Israel.
They were forced to give statements before waving and being taken away by the Red Cross.
Mr Sharabi and Mr Ben Ami were both seized from kibbutz Be’eri, and Mr Levy was captured at the Nova music festival.