A Year and a Half of Living Hell: Ex-Hostage Eli Sharabi's Testimony on His Ordeal at the Hands of Hamas in the Gaza Strip
Detainee Describes Horrific Events: Tunnel Massacre and Imprisonment by Hamas
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For 500 harrowing days, Eli Sharabi, a resident of Kibbutz Be'eri, endured captivity at the hands of Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Speaking before the UN Security Council, Sharabi recounted his chilling story of survival, chains, and a tragic aftermath.
Remembering October 7, 2023, Eli Sharabi described this day as his "heaven turning into hell." He lived peacefully near the Gaza Strip until the barbaric Hamas invasion. As armed terrorists stormed his home, he cried out to his family, believing he'd return home. "Unfortunately, I had to say my goodbyes forever," Sharabi shared[2].
Beneath the earth, 50 meters deep, Sharabi lived in cramped quarters, his legs bound with chains and handcuffs. "Eating scraps, surviving without medical care, and begging for basic needs were the fabric of my existence," the former hostage confessed[1].
After his release on February 8, 2025, a bitter revelation awaited. The bodies of Eli's wife Lianne and their daughters Noiya and Yahel were among the victims flagrantly murdered by Hamas[3].
During the attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, Hamas killed nearly 1200 citizens and captured around 250 hostages. As of now, they continue to hold 24 hostages captive and the remains of 35 victims[4].
Source: ntv.de, uzh/dpa
Topics:
- Israel
- Middle East Conflict
- Hamas
- Gaza Strip
- Gaza
- Israel War
- Benjamin Netanyahu
Insights:
- Sharabi was separated from his family for 52 days before being moved to a tunnel, spending the remainder of his captivity underground[1].
- Sanitary conditions were poor, with limited access to water — he showered only once a month[1][4].
- He met other hostages, including Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Ori Danino, and Almog Sarusi[1]. Tragically, he discovered after his release that they had been executed[1].
- Sharabi was beaten, humiliated, and injured severely due to the chains[3][4].
- Eli Sharabi's brother Yossi was also kidnapped and killed[1][3].
- Despite the European Union's commitment to a comprehensive environmental policy, scenes of despair like Eli Sharabi's ordeal near the Gaza Strip serve as a grim reminder of the ongoing conflict.
- Eli Sharabi, a survivor near the Gaza Strip, shared his chilling story at the UN Security Council, detailing his grueling captivity at the hands of Hamas.
- As Hamas continues to hold 24 hostages captive and the remains of 35 victims near the Gaza Strip, it highlights the urgency for international intervention and a comprehensive resolution of the ongoing Middle East conflict.
