British family of freed Israeli hostage expresses concern over her gaunt appearance

The British family of Eli Sharabi, the Israeli hostage freed after 16 months in captivity, has expressed a mix of emotions following his release. While they are overjoyed to know that he is alive, they are deeply concerned about his physical and emotional condition, especially his gaunt appearance. Eli’s brother-in-law, Steve Brisley, who lives in Bridgend, South Wales, shared that the family is experiencing a “pendulum of emotions,” ranging from relief and happiness to deep heartache.

Eli Sharabi, 52, was captured by Hamas on October 7, 2023, during the attack on Kibbutz Beeri, while his wife, Lianne, and their two daughters, Noiya and Yahel, were tragically murdered at home. The family had been uncertain about Eli’s fate for months, with the only confirmation of his survival coming when his name appeared on the list of hostages to be released on February 7, 2025.

After the announcement, Eli was transferred to the Red Cross in a highly publicized handover, which his family found to be distressing. Brisley, speaking on BBC Breakfast, explained that while they were relieved to know that Eli was alive, it was painful to see him in such a poor physical state. Despite being able to walk independently, Eli was visibly thin, and his eyes seemed to lack the light they once had. Brisley compared his appearance to someone who had just emerged from a concentration camp, underscoring the toll the captivity had taken on him.

Brisley’s emotional response was also shaped by the manner in which Eli’s release was handled. The hostage was paraded in a way that Brisley described as a “propaganda fashion,” which made it all the more difficult to witness. “It’s the end of one part of the nightmare, but the beginning of the next chapter,” he said, reflecting on the emotional rollercoaster the family has been through since Eli’s capture.

The Sharabi family released a statement expressing both relief and horror following Eli’s transfer to the Red Cross. They acknowledged that they were delighted to have him free but were horrified by his physical condition. They also described the release as a “grotesque spectacle,” which only added to the emotional toll. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which facilitated the handover, voiced its own concerns about the conditions surrounding the release. The ICRC called for future releases to be handled in a more dignified and private manner, urging all parties involved to ensure that these processes are conducted with greater respect for the hostages’ dignity.

While the family is thankful for Eli’s release, there is still uncertainty surrounding the emotional toll the ordeal has taken on him. Eli’s father-in-law, Pete Brisley, expressed his worry about whether Eli is aware of the deaths of his wife and daughters. There are no known witnesses to the attack on the Sharabi family’s home, so it is unclear if Eli was forced to witness the murders or if he was taken away before they occurred. “We still don’t know if he knows he’s lost his family,” Pete Brisley said, noting the emotional anguish the family faces in not knowing what Eli has endured during his captivity.

The tragedy is compounded by the fact that Eli’s brother, Yossi, was also taken hostage on the same day as Eli but was later reported dead in captivity, allegedly due to an Israeli airstrike. This loss further deepens the family’s pain, as they struggle to comprehend the scope of their suffering.

Eli’s release is part of a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel, which has facilitated the return of a number of hostages. Under the agreement, Israel is releasing 183 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages. A total of 33 hostages, including Eli Sharabi, have been freed so far. The ceasefire agreement, which began on January 19, also ensures that further releases will occur on a weekly basis, with more hostages set to be freed in the coming weeks.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy welcomed the release of Eli Sharabi, Or Levy, and Ohad Ben Ami, stating that they and their families had endured unimaginable hardship. He also called for the full implementation of the ceasefire deal, which includes the release of all remaining hostages. Lammy’s comments highlight the continued importance of ensuring that these hostages are freed and that their families can finally begin to heal after the prolonged trauma they have endured.

The release of Eli Sharabi marks the end of a long nightmare for his family, but as they wait to learn more about the full extent of his experiences, they continue to struggle with the emotional impact of his captivity.