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Freed Hostage Eli Sharabi Speaks at U.N. Security Council, Calls for Action on Remaining Hostages

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Eli Sharabi, recently freed after nearly 500 days of captivity by Hamas, vividly recounted his harrowing experience during a U.N. Security Council meeting. He expressed profound outrage over the prolonged ordeal he endured, characterized by beatings, starvation, and constant fear of execution.

Sharabi posed a poignant question to the international community, asking: “Where was the United Nations? Where was the Red Cross? Where was the world?” His remarks challenged the assembled representatives, urging them to prove their commitment to humanitarian values by working towards the release of the 59 hostages still in Gaza, many of whom may no longer be alive.

The uncertainty surrounding these hostages intensified following Israel’s resumption of military action after a ceasefire period designed to facilitate the return of some captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

Sharabi highlighted stark contrasts in the situation, noting how he witnessed Hamas militants consuming food from U.N.-marked supplies while hostages faced severe malnutrition. He stated that during his captivity, prisoners received only minimal sustenance, often just a small amount of pita and a sip of tea each day.

Upon his release on February 8, Sharabi’s weight was alarmingly low at 44 kilos (approximately 97 pounds), less than that of his youngest daughter, who died alongside his wife and older daughter during the October 7 Hamas assault that claimed approximately 1,200 lives.

In November, the U.S. vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza, citing the necessity of linking it to the hostages’ immediate release. In response, Palestinian representatives sought recourse through the General Assembly, which in December passed a resolution calling for a ceasefire and reiterating demands for the hostages’ return; however, these resolutions do not carry the same binding authority as those from the Security Council.

The ceasefire established in January was abruptly violated recently with airstrikes that reportedly resulted in over 400 Palestinian fatalities, marking one of the deadliest days of the ongoing conflict, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which indicated that many casualties were women and children.

Sharabi’s testimony at the Security Council, his second public address since his release, followed a formal request from Israel for a discussion on the hostages’ plight.

U.K. Deputy Ambassador James Kariuki remarked on the “beyond imagination” suffering Sharabi endured, asserting that “Hamas must be held accountable for their despicable actions.” Nevertheless, he also condemned remarks from Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz about the total destruction of Gaza, advocating instead for the reinstatement of humanitarian aid and a thorough investigation into allegations of violence against Palestinian detainees.

France’s U.N. Ambassador Jérôme Bonnafont extended condolences to Sharabi, criticizing the renewed Israeli airstrikes as counterproductive to securing hostage releases and calling for an end to the humanitarian blockade.

Dmitry Polyansky, Russia’s deputy U.N. ambassador, expressed sorrow at Sharabi’s story, stating that such brutality is indefensible. He criticized Israeli leaders for not progressing towards the next phase of a ceasefire plan that includes the unconditional release of all hostages.

Algeria’s U.N. Ambassador Amar Bendjama expressed solidarity with Sharabi, labeling him a “representative of civil society,” and denounced Israel’s actions, including restrictions on humanitarian aid and the treatment of detainees.

In a closing statement, Palestinian U.N. Ambassador Riyad Mansour conveyed condolences to Sharabi, reflecting on the shared anguish felt by Palestinians. He provided a somber reminder of their collective suffering.

Sharabi avoided directly discussing Israeli conduct, but recounted how, on October 7, he reassured his wife that military assistance would come to their aid as militants invaded their community, only to find that help never arrived.

He concluded his remarks by voicing his concern for fellow captives, specifically mentioning 24-year-old Alon Ohel, who remains missing, and his older brother, Yossi, whose body is still unaccounted for in Gaza. “Bring them all home. Now!” Sharabi urged the council.

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