Hamas released three Israeli hostages on Saturday, but their frail and emaciated condition sparked outrage in Israel and from human rights organizations. The hostages’ physical decline due to prolonged mistreatment while in captivity has raised alarms about their wellbeing.
Health Concerns and Criticism
Dr. Yael Frenkel Nir, the director of Sheba General Hospital, expressed deep concern over the health of the remaining hostages. She described their condition as alarming and linked their poor health to the harsh treatment they endured in captivity. The severe physical decline of the hostages has drawn widespread criticism.
International Reactions and Human Rights Concerns
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) strongly condemned Hamas for their orchestrated hostage releases. The ICRC described the events as humiliating and undignified. They urged that future releases be handled with dignity and privacy for the hostages involved.
Israeli officials echoed similar sentiments, comparing the hostages’ frailty to that of Holocaust survivors. This comparison reflects the gravity of the mistreatment they suffered.
Netanyahu’s Strong Stance
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Hamas, calling its members “monsters” and vowing to eliminate the group entirely. He also reaffirmed his commitment to securing the return of all Israeli captives, with full support from U.S. President Trump.
Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon demanded that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres publicly denounce Hamas for its treatment of hostages.
Growing Public Pressure
As the hostages’ condition worsens, public pressure is mounting on Netanyahu. Protests in Tel Aviv have called for the immediate release of all Israeli captives, intensifying the political heat surrounding the issue.
Freed hostage Eli Sharabi learned, only after his release, that his wife and two daughters had been killed in the October 7 attack. The emotional toll adds a tragic layer to the hostages’ harrowing ordeal.
