Kibbutz Be'eri announced on Tuesday the unfortunate demise of two of its residents, Itai Svirsky, 38, and Yossi Sharabi, 53, who were held captive by the Hamas terror group in Gaza.
This heart-wrenching revelation follows the release of a new video by Hamas on Sunday evening, coinciding with the 100-day anniversary of the October 7 massacre, as per to Daily Mail, as per Fox News.
Kibbutz officials, grappling with the profound sadness of the news, conveyed the painful reality, stating, "The abductees Itai Svirsky and Yossi Sharabi were murdered in captivity, and their bodies are now held by Hamas. We will relentlessly demand their return, alongside our other abducted citizens. Our hearts go out to the families enduring immense pain. May they find peace."
The grim fate of Svirsky and Sharabi was initially brought to light in a video statement by Hamas, showcasing the hostages under apparent duress. Noa Argamani, 26, along with Yossi Sharabi and Itay Svirsky, the three detainees, pleaded for international intervention, shedding light on the harsh conditions they faced, including a severe lack of food, water, and the constant threat of Israeli airstrikes.
Argamani, notably, informed the camera that separate airstrikes had claimed the lives of Sharabi and Svirsky. She, too, suffered injuries to her head and body from shrapnel. The emotionally charged plea for Israel to secure the release of the hostages was followed by the grim sight of what appeared to be the lifeless bodies of Sharabi and Svirsky.
Addressing the media in a news conference, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant condemned Hamas for inflicting "psychological abuse" on Israeli families, particularly at a time when the group faces substantial battlefield casualties. The timing of this distressing news only compounds the agony experienced by the affected families and the nation as a whole.
The situation is particularly poignant in the case of Noa Argamani, whose mother is battling cancer. Tearfully, she has pleaded for the release of her daughter, underscoring the urgency given her mother's deteriorating health.
The international community closely monitors these tragic developments, expressing concerns about the psychological impact of hostage videos released by Hamas. The Israeli military, echoing these concerns, has voiced grave apprehension over the fate of the hostages, pointing to the ruthless use of media tactics by Hamas to torment and distress Israeli citizens. Leaving individuals and families caught in the crossfire, according to ABC 7.
Uncertainty in Peace Prospects as Kibbutz Hostages' Fate
As the global community mourns the loss of Itai Svirsky and Yossi Sharabi, there are growing questions about the broader implications for ongoing efforts to secure peace in the region.
Additionally, the video featured a third hostage, Noa Argamani, 26. Confirmation from the community comes a day after the Israeli military expressed serious concern over the fates of the two Israeli civilians seized during the October 7 attacks.According to kibbutz officials, the bodies of Svirsky and Sharabi are still being held by Hamas, prolonging the anguish for their families and the community.
Svirsky, 38, from Tel Aviv, was kidnapped from his mother's home in Kibbutz Be'eri. Tragically, both his parents were murdered on October 7th, though his 97-year-old grandmother survived the ordeal. Sharabi, 53, was kidnapped alongside his brother Eli from Kibbutz Be'eri. Ofir Engel, his daughter's boyfriend, was also abducted but has since been released.
IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari strongly condemned the situation, stating, "This is a new benchmark in barbarism set by Hamas." He highlighted Hamas's use of social media as a tool of war, describing it as psychological warfare that terrorizes hostages, their families, and the global community.
The European Union (EU) responded to the October 7 massacre by imposing sanctions on Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, holding him responsible for the planning of the attack. Sinwar was also added to the EU terror list. Reports suggest that Israel has identified Sinwar's location but faces challenges in taking action due to his strategic use of Israeli hostages as shields.
The disturbing video released by Hamas, displaying the alleged bodies of the Israeli hostages, adds a grim chapter to the ongoing conflict. As the international community grapples with the ramifications, the immediate focus remains on bringing an end to the suffering of hostages and their families, and finding a path towards lasting peace in the region, i24 News reported.
