Hostage Recounts Ordeal, Rights Group Alleges Torture in Separate Captivities

GAZA/JERUSALEM, March 2, 2025 – A recently released Israeli hostage, Eli Sharabi, has shared harrowing details of his year-long captivity by Hamas, coinciding with a human rights group’s “shocking” allegations of torture against Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.

Hostage Details Captivity Conditions Tied to Treatment of Palestinian Prisoners

Eli sharabi, freed in a prisoner exchange last month, described his experience on Israel’s channel 12 show “Uvda.” He revealed that the treatment of hostages was explicitly linked to the conditions of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. According to Sharabi, Hamas captors stated, “They came and told us – ‘[Palestinian] prisoners are not receiving food, so you won’t eat. Our prisoners are being beaten, so we’ll beat you.’ That was the constant threat.”

This assertion raises serious concerns about the direct impact of prison conditions on the well-being of hostages, potentially violating international humanitarian law. Moreover, it highlights the interconnected nature of the conflict and the reciprocal dynamics influencing the treatment of prisoners on both sides.

dire Conditions and Scarcity of Food

Sharabi painted a grim picture of life in Hamas’ tunnels, emphasizing the severe hunger endured by the hostages. He recalled, even a single dry date felt like “the best meal in the world,” with daily rations as low as 250 calories. This underscores the deprivation and hardship faced by hostages, exacerbated by limited access to essential resources.

“You dream every day of opening a fridge and taking out fruit, vegetables, or a slice of bread. You don’t care about the beatings you receive,” Sharabi said.“They break my ribs,and I don’t care — just give me another pita.”

Limited Hope for Rescue

Sharabi expressed pessimism regarding rescue attempts by the Israeli Defense Forces,stating,”You would get a bullet to the head before Israeli troops stepped into the tunnel.” This stark assessment highlights the extreme dangers and complexities involved in potential rescue operations,raising arduous questions about the feasibility and risks associated with such endeavors.

Human Rights Monitor Alleges torture of Palestinian Prisoners

Concurrently, the Euro-Med human Rights Monitor has released findings on the treatment of palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody, describing the conditions as “shocking.” According to the group, “Israel’s release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees, who arrived in the Gaza Strip recently in exceptionally poor health, illustrates its ongoing use of torture to terrorize and persecute prisoners and detainees and break their will until the very end of their detention.”

the organization further claimed the “effects of torture were clearly evident, with the emaciated bodies of the released individuals reflecting the severity of systematic crimes and inhumane treatment that exceed all legal and moral bounds.” They documented injuries, including limb amputations and severe swelling attributed to torture, with some individuals unable to walk without assistance.

These allegations, if verified, represent grave violations of international human rights standards and warrant immediate investigation by independent bodies. The use of torture is unequivocally prohibited under international law, and any credible allegations must be thoroughly examined and addressed.

Context and concerns

Israel maintains that Palestinian detainees are held on suspicion of various crimes, including murder. Though, human rights organizations have consistently challenged the fairness and transparency of the Israeli court system in these cases. Many Palestinians are held in administrative detention without trial, raising further concerns about due process and the protection of basic rights. [Source: B’Tselem – The Israeli Information center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories]

Implications and Call to Action

These accounts from both sides of the conflict paint a troubling picture of human rights challenges and the devastating impact of violence on individuals. It is imperative that international organizations and governments conduct thorough investigations into these allegations and work towards ensuring accountability for any violations of international law.

The claims of hostage mistreatment and prisoner abuse must be independently verified, and all parties must uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law. Transparency,access to fair trials,and humane treatment of all detainees are essential for fostering a just and lasting peace.

Learn more about the ongoing human rights concerns in the region and support organizations working to promote justice and accountability. Click here to find resources and take action.

given Eli Sharabi’s description of Hamas linking hostage treatment to Palestinian prisoner conditions, what specific actions could international organizations take to ensure humane treatment of all detainees?

Eli Sharabi on his Hamas Hostage Ordeal: An Exclusive Interview

Recounting Captivity: An Interview with Eli Sharabi

Recently freed Israeli hostage, Eli Sharabi, has bravely shared details of his year-long captivity by Hamas. Archyde News spoke with Mr. Sharabi to gain deeper insights into his experience and the alleged links between the treatment of hostages and Palestinian prisoners.

Archyde: Welcome, Mr. Sharabi. Thank you for sharing your story with us. Can you describe the initial days of your captivity?

Eli Sharabi: Thank you for having me. The beginning was chaotic,terrifying. We were moved constantly,deep into the tunnel network. The uncertainty was the worst part – not knowing why this was happening and what the future held.

Archyde: You mentioned that the Hamas captors explicitly linked your treatment to the conditions of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Could you elaborate on that?

Eli Sharabi: Yes, that was a constant message. They told us directly, and I quote, “If [Palestinian] prisoners are not receiving food, you won’t eat.If our prisoners are being beaten, we’ll beat you.” It was a chilling and calculated way to exert pressure.

Archyde: The report detailed your severe hunger, with rations reportedly as low as 250 calories per day. how did you cope with such extreme deprivation?

Eli Sharabi: It’s difficult even to explain the feeling of constant hunger, the hollow feeling, and the dreams you have of just basic food.A single dry date felt like a feast. The hunger consumed us; it overshadowed everything else.

Archyde: You expressed pessimism about the possibility of rescue attempts. Can you speak more about that?

Eli Sharabi: From what we could gather being underground, any rescue attempt put us prisoners in extreme danger. I believe our captors woudl not hesitate to prevent a successfull operation, no regard for our lives as hostages..

Concerns About Palestinian Detainees

Archyde: The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor has released concerning allegations about the torture of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody. What are your thoughts on these allegations, especially given what you experienced?

Eli Sharabi: I can’t speak directly to those claims. I can only share my personal experience being held in Gaza.. No one , regardless of their situation or background, should ever endure torture or inhumane treatment. The allegations must be investigated thoroughly.

Archyde: The report also highlights the use of administrative detention without trial. What impact do you think such practices have on the broader situation?

Eli Sharabi: I do not have any further information or comments regarding administrative detentions.

Moving Forward

Archyde: What message do you hope people take away from your experience?

Eli Sharabi: I hope my story highlights the tremendous human cost of this never ending feud and the urgency of finding a peaceful resolution to this longstanding conflict.

Archyde: what do you think is the most critical step that international organizations and governments should take to address these human rights challenges on both sides?

Eli sharabi: They must demand transparency, accountability, and adherence to international law.Autonomous investigations are essential to verify allegations of abuse and torture, and all parties must be held accountable for their actions regardless of affiliations. We must strive for a future where such inhumanity is unimaginable. I, myself, hope to find peace and freedom.

Archyde: Eli Sharabi, thank you for your time and for sharing your harrowing experience with us. Your courage is truly commendable.

Eli Sharabi: Thank you.

We invite our readers to share their thoughts and opinions on this important issue. How can the international community effectively address human rights concerns in conflict zones? Leave your comments below.