Freed Israeli Hostage Eli Sharabi Urges UN Action to Rescue Remaining Captives

International International News

Posted by NewAdmin on 2025-03-21 08:39:34 |

Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin Visits: 8

---

Freed Israeli hostage Eli Sharabi, who endured 491 days of captivity under Hamas, spoke at the United Nations Security Council, expressing deep frustration over the lack of international intervention in securing his release. During his appearance, he questioned the absence of the United Nations, the Red Cross, and the global community while he and others suffered in captivity. He called on the Security Council to take immediate action in bringing home the 59 remaining hostages still held in Gaza, many of whom are believed to be dead. His remarks highlighted the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the fate of these hostages, especially after Israel resumed military operations following a six-week pause that had allowed for hostage exchanges.

Sharabi described the inhumane conditions he endured, including being chained, beaten, and starved. He recalled witnessing Hamas militants consuming food from UN-labeled aid boxes while hostages were given minimal rations, sometimes just a piece of pita and a sip of tea per day. Upon his release on February 8, he weighed only 44 kilograms, which he pointed out was less than the weight of his youngest daughter, who, along with his wife and elder daughter, was killed in Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The attack resulted in around 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages being taken.

Sharabi’s speech took place in the context of renewed violence after a temporary ceasefire was broken. The United States had vetoed a UN Security Council resolution in November that demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, arguing that it did not include a requirement for the hostages’ release. However, the 193-member General Assembly later passed a nonbinding resolution in December calling for a ceasefire and the return of the hostages. The ceasefire in January was short-lived, as Israeli airstrikes on Gaza resumed, killing more than 400 Palestinians in a single day, with Gaza’s Health Ministry stating that most victims were women and children.

Several UN Security Council members responded to Sharabi’s testimony with varied perspectives. Britain’s deputy ambassador, James Kariuki, condemned Hamas for their actions but also criticized Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz’s statement about the total destruction of Gaza. France’s UN ambassador, Jérôme Bonnafont, expressed condolences to Sharabi while also opposing Israel’s continued bombing of Gaza and calling for an end to the humanitarian blockade. Russia’s deputy UN ambassador, Dmitry Polyansky, acknowledged Sharabi’s suffering but criticized Israel for not advancing to phase two of the ceasefire deal, which includes a permanent halt to hostilities and the release of all hostages.

Algeria’s UN Ambassador Amar Bendjama, representing Arab nations, stated that no civilian should have to suffer such hardship, but he accused Israel of selectively applying international law. He pointed out that Israel has blocked humanitarian aid, fuel, and electricity from entering Gaza since early March while also restricting the Red Cross’ access to over 9,500 Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons since October 7. The Palestinian UN Ambassador, Riyad Mansour, expressed condolences to Sharabi, acknowledging his pain and stating that Palestinians share the same suffering.

Sharabi did not discuss Israeli military actions in Gaza but recounted how, on October 7, he had reassured his wife that the Israeli army would come to protect them, only to find that they did not arrive. He ended his speech with a plea to bring home all remaining hostages, including his fellow captive Alon Ohel and his brother Yossi, whose body remains in Gaza.

Go!