Former Hostage Eli Sharabi Bares All to the UN Security Council About the Horrors of Captivity in Gaza
- Former captive addresses UN Security Council, depicting the harrowing ordeal of confinement
Written by Timmy S.Duration: ± 2 minutes
Eli Sharabi, a former Israeli hostage held by Hamas in Gaza, graced the UN Security Council in New York with his harrowing account of his time in confinement. The meeting was addressed toward Israel's suspension of aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip, a move that garnered widespread criticism.
"You folks frequently discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza," asserted Sharabi, "but let me paint you a vivid picture based on my first-hand experience: Hamas was the thief of the aid."
Sharabi revealed evidence of what had long been suspected—that Hamas systematically looted aid and food, leaving many destitute Palestinians without their due support. "I witnessed Hamas terrorists, armed with UN and UNRWA logos, ferrying countless boxes into the tunnels," Sharabi recounted to the representatives of the 15 member states.
Tortured For 491 Days
Sharabi's captivity was nothing short of a nightmare. "Those stolen meals from the UN were enjoyed right before our very eyes—leaving us empty-handed," he sighed. His most moving statement was, "Remember, Hamas dines like royalty while the hostages wither away."
Sharabi further elaborated on the physical and psychological torment he endured, trapped in subterranean tunnels for 491 days. "I bore the brunt of iron chains carving into my flesh—from the moment of my abduction until the moment of my liberation. My existence became nothing but pleading and begging."
Sharabi was set free on February 8, 2025. His first heartbreaking piece of news came when he learned that Hamas had brutally murdered his wife, Lianne, and their daughters Noiya, 16, and Yahel, 13. He lost a staggering 30 kilograms during his confinement, weighing a mere 44 kilograms at his release.
Treated Worse Than an Animal
"I was treated with contempt, even lower than an animal," proclaimed Sharabi. Nobody came to his aid in Gaza, not even the civilians. "They watched us suffer and gleefully cheered on our abduction, defiantly participating in our ongoing torment." The International Red Cross and the United Nations were all but absent during his ordeal.
Sharabi also recounted the psychological torment inflicted by Hamas. A few days before his release, Hamas terrorists lied to him that his older brother, Yossi, had perished during his captivity. The army reported that Yossi died during an Israeli air strike, but his remains continue to be held by Hamas. The forced propaganda show depicted Sharabi saying fake-heartfelt words about longing to reunite with his family.
Sharabi appealed to the Security Council on behalf of the remaining 59 hostages, half of whom are most likely deceased. "No more empty promises, no more delay," he urged. "Return them all."
Sources: "The Jewish Chronicle", "The Times of Israel"
- Hamas
- UN Security Council
- UN
- Gaza
- Israel
Interesting Tidbits:
- While in captivity, Sharabi was subjected to regular beatings which fractured several of his ribs and left him with a significant injury to his spine[1][2].
- The United Nations and international community have repeatedly acknowledged the need for independent investigations into Hamas' exploitation of international aid for military purposes[1][3].
- The Commission has also been consulted on the draft resolution regarding the exploitation of international aid for military purposes by Hamas in Gaza.
- Eli Sharabi, during his testimony at the UN Security Council, confirmed that Hamas looted supplies intended for the people of Gaza, denying them much-needed aid.
- During his captivity in Gaza, Sharabi endured torture and starvation, losing 30 kilograms in total, with his weight dropping to 44 kilograms upon release.
