Hostage return spotlights tragedy in fragile Israel-Hamas ceasefire

Paraded on a stage by masked gunmen, the gaunt figure of returning hostage Eli Sharabi leaned into the microphone to express a hope that ordinarily would spark happiness and relief.

Paraded on a stage by masked gunmen, the gaunt figure of returning hostage Eli Sharabi leaned into the microphone to express a hope that ordinarily would spark happiness and relief.

On the verge of freedom, the 52-year-old said he looked forward to seeing his wife and two teenage daughters.

But a distraught nation knew something he didn't: His wife, Lianne, and daughters, Noiya and Yahel, were killed 16 months ago during the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attacks on Israel by Hamas, when Sharabi was taken captive from his home in Kibbutz Be’eri.

Sharabi said he was aware his brother Yossi had died in captivity and expressed anger toward the Israeli government. But amid his interview with the gunman, it was unclear if he was allowed to speak freely or if they had prepared for the interviews.

Saturday’s hostage release — the fifth since the ceasefire agreement began on Jan. 19 — marked another painful and controversial moment surrounding a Hamas hostage release. Two weeks ago, Arbel Yehoud was led through a baying crowd in Khan Younis, before the increasingly orchestrated spectacle of Saturday’s release.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/gaza-hostages-eli-sharabi-wife-daughters-hamas-israel-rcna191364

---