A former Israeli hostage whose British-Israeli wife and children were killed by Hamas in the 7 October attacks, says he is very worried the latest peace plan to end fighting between Israel and Hamas will fall through.
In a rare interview, Eli Sharabi, who became one of the most high-profile of those taken when gunmen stormed into Israel two years ago, said the lives of the remaining 20 living hostages were being put at risk by the ongoing Israel-Gaza war.
Sharabi called on U.S. President Donald Trump to finish the job by using his influence to ensure the release of hostages, including the 28 others believed to have died. He urged Hamas to agree to a deal beneficial for the region, emphasizing that war is wrong and awful for both sides.
We have to keep hope that there will be an agreement, he added.
The peace plan, agreed upon by Trump and Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu, proposes an immediate cessation of hostilities and the release of all hostages within 72 hours, in exchange for detained Gazans and Palestinian prisoners in Israel. However, Hamas officials indicated they would reject it.
Sharabi's family was tragically affected; his wife Lianne and daughters Noiya and Yahel were taken from him during the attacks. The emotional toll of his experience is palpable as he recalls being kidnapped and later learning of his family's fate.
After 491 days in captivity filled with starvation and abuse, Sharabi was finally released in February 2025. The moment of his homecoming was bittersweet as he faced the devastating reality of his loss, emphasizing the importance of his hope and resilience moving forward.
As he watches the calming Mediterranean Sea from Israel, Sharabi continues to advocate for peace and the welfare of the remaining hostages, stating: It was very tough, but I really, really love life. I'm trying to be positive. I'm working on that.