Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to intensify Britain’s efforts to secure the release of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza, following a meeting with former captive Eli Sharabi at Downing Street.
Mr Sharabi, whose wife, daughters, and brother were killed in Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023, was held in captivity for 16 months before being freed as part of a ceasefire deal. In a meeting on Friday morning, Sir Keir paid tribute to his “phenomenal courage and bravery” and offered his condolences.
A harrowing ordeal
A Downing Street spokesperson detailed the exchange, stating:
“The Prime Minister expressed his heartfelt condolences to Eli on the loss of his wife, Lianne, daughters Noiya and Yahel, and brother Yossi. Hearing first-hand about his 16-month ordeal, the Prime Minister said he could not begin to imagine what Eli had been through. It was a brutal reminder of what the remaining hostages were enduring.”
Sir Keir also assured Mr Sharabi that the UK would “redouble its intensive work, at all levels, to secure the release of the remaining 59 hostages.”
Sharabi’s plea for action
Following the meeting, Mr Sharabi and his family issued a statement expressing gratitude for the UK’s support.
“Eli thanked the Prime Minister for the UK taking responsibility for him as a hostage with close British connections and for working towards his release for over a year.”
He also urged Sir Keir to do “everything he possibly could” to secure the freedom of the remaining hostages, including the return of his brother Yossi’s body.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the emotional weight of the meeting, saying he had been deeply moved by an interview Mr Sharabi had recently given to Israeli television.
“Inhuman is a word that is used too often, but your experience warranted that word,” Sir Keir reportedly told him.
Hostage crisis and ceasefire challenges
The hostage crisis remains a major point of contention as Israel and Hamas struggle to negotiate further releases.
The initial ceasefire agreement, which lasted 42 days, saw Hamas release 25 Israeli hostages and the bodies of eight others in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. However, the deal has since stalled.
A new US-backed proposal, supported by Israel, calls for Hamas to release half of the remaining hostages immediately, with the rest to be freed as part of a permanent ceasefire agreement. Hamas, however, has rejected the proposal, insisting on the terms of a previous agreement reached in January.
In response, Israel has cut off essential supplies, including food, fuel, and medicine, to Gaza in an attempt to pressure Hamas into resuming the hostage releases. Officials in Tel Aviv have also warned of “additional consequences” should negotiations fail to progress.
Ongoing conflict and humanitarian toll
The war, now in its seventeenth month, began when Hamas-led militants launched a devastating attack on southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 hostages.
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Israel’s military response has been relentless, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting more than 48,000 Palestinian deaths—many of them women and children. The Israeli government claims to have killed over 17,000 Hamas fighters, though it has not provided independent verification.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with aid agencies warning of famine-like conditions due to Israel’s blockade of supplies. International pressure has mounted for both sides to reach a diplomatic resolution, but negotiations remain deadlocked.
UK’s role in diplomatic efforts
Britain has reiterated its support for efforts to bring about a sustainable peace while advocating for the release of all hostages. The UK has also pledged continued humanitarian assistance to Gaza, though some MPs have urged the government to take a firmer stance in pressuring Israel to allow aid into the region.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the plight of the hostages remains at the forefront of international concerns. With families desperate for news of their loved ones, the pressure is mounting on world leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer, to help bring an end to the crisis.
