UNITED NATIONS — Eli Sharabi, a former hostage of Hamas, shared his harrowing experience before the (UNSC), urging, “Bring them all home now.”
In the short time since his release less than six weeks ago, Sharabi has been actively advocating for the remaining hostages, engaging with global leaders to highlight their dire situation.
Recounting the events of October 7, Sharabi, who was abducted from Kibbutz Be’eri, stated, “On Oct. 7, my heaven turned to hell. Hamas terrorists invaded, tearing me away from my family forever.”
Kibbutz Be’eri was the site of extreme violence during the October 7 attacks, with over 100 residents killed and 30 taken hostage, according to reports. Sharabi’s wife and two daughters were among those murdered; he only learned of their deaths upon his return from Gaza.
“When I arrived home, they told me my mother and sister were waiting. I asked about my wife and daughters, and that’s when I learned they were gone, murdered,” Sharabi told the council. His brother, Yossi, was also taken hostage but died in captivity, with his body remaining in Gaza.
The release of Sharabi, along with Or Levy and Ohad Ben Ami, on February 8 drew international attention to their emaciated conditions. Israeli President Isaac Herzog described it as “a crime against humanity,” while President remarked that the men “looked like Holocaust survivors” and appeared to be “in horrible condition.”
Sharabi informed the council that after 491 days in Hamas captivity, his weight had dropped to just 44 kilograms (97 pounds). He described the agony of starvation and how he was consumed by hunger throughout the beatings, including one that resulted in broken ribs.
Sharabi testified that he was given only one pita per day and was forced to beg for more food. He then revealed to the council where U.N. humanitarian aid was being diverted.
“I know you often discuss the humanitarian situation in Gaza. But as an eyewitness, I saw Hamas steal the aid,” Sharabi said. “I saw Hamas terrorists carrying boxes bearing the U.N. and UNRWA emblems into the tunnel—dozens of boxes, funded by your governments, feeding terrorists who tortured me and murdered my family.”
Numerous released hostages have recounted how Hamas used food as a form of torture, eating in front of them without offering any to the captives.
“When discussing humanitarian aid, remember that Hamas eats lavishly while hostages starve. Hamas steals from civilians and blocks aid from reaching those who need it,” Sharabi told the council.
Sharabi also criticized the U.N., the Red Cross, and the international community for their silence and lack of action.
“Where were the United Nations, the Red Cross, and the world?” he questioned.
Israeli U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon supported this, stating that the security council had “erased the hostages” and failed to acknowledge “the humanitarian crimes Hamas is deliberately inflicting on the hostages.” Danon further accused the “entire U.N. system” of neglecting its responsibility to the hostages.
Danon asserted that the war would continue until all remaining hostages were freed.
Sharabi concluded his address with a single, urgent plea.
“Bring them all home. No more excuses or delays. If you stand for humanity, prove it. Bring them home,” he urged.