The sight of Eli Sharabi being interviewed on stage alongside Hamas fighters has evoked heartbreak and outrage among Israelis. When asked how he felt, Sharabi responded, “I feel very happy today to return to… my wife and daughters,” seemingly unaware that his family had been killed in the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
This scene was broadcast globally, representing a staged handover of hostages intended to convey a message of control from Hamas. The presence of armed fighters and the banner reading “We are the flood… the war’s next day” reiterated their dominance in the Gaza Strip.
In previous exchanges, Hamas has aimed to project an image of having taken care of their captives. However, this time, the three released men appeared gaunt and sunken-eyed. As their images played in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, a mood of celebration quickly shifted to one of despair. “It’s complicated,” said 21-year-old Ruth Senderovich, who watched the footage. “It’s the greatest joy I’ve had in a while, and it’s devastating because you see men who were family leaders, fathers, now reduced to broken men.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the “shocking scenes” and promised action, though he did not specify what that action would entail. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which facilitates the transfers, expressed increasing concern about the conditions surrounding the releases, calling for them to be “dignified and private.”
The criticism extended beyond Hamas. Shortly after the three hostages were released, 183 Palestinians, some convicted for violent acts against Israelis and others held without charge, were freed from Israeli prisons. Among them was Jamal al-Tawil, the former mayor of al-Bireh, who had spent nearly 20 years in and out of incarceration. His daughter, recently released herself, alleged that he was beaten just before his release and had to be carried from the bus to the hospital while on a ventilator.
According to the Palestinian Red Crescent, seven of those freed from Israeli custody required hospital treatment following their imprisonment. Numerous reports have emerged since October 7 accusing Israeli authorities of mistreating Palestinian prisoners.
The question now is how Saturday’s releases will affect the fragile ceasefire agreement. Israel has indicated it will send negotiators to Qatar to discuss “technical issues” before engaging in discussions about the next phase. The suggestion by US President Donald Trump to “empty” Gaza of Palestinians has also been well-received by Israeli authorities.
In contrast, Hamas has criticized Israel for its “lack of commitment” to the ceasefire but has expressed readiness to engage in talks. The group released a professionally produced video featuring the three hostages, filmed in underground tunnels. The men, expressing gratitude to God, donned uniforms featuring their own images.
The release of the video prompted the families of the hostages to request that it not be broadcast. Amid the anger over the conditions of those held, many have concluded that a deal ensuring their freedom and a permanent resolution to the conflict is urgently needed. The gaunt, haunted faces of the released hostages highlighted the human cost of inaction.
Credit: BBC News
