Israel conveyed a message to mediating parties regarding the emaciated condition of Or Levy, Eli Sharabi, and Ohad Ben Ami, the released hostages on Saturday.
“Following the severe condition of the three hostages and Hamas’ repeated violations, Prime Minister Netanyahu has directed not to let this pass and to take appropriate action.”
Noya Ziv, a protester at the Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, told TPS-IL: “They returned thin, emaciated, we must do everything to get them out. Those who returned told us that they prepared animal cages for them, that they were kept in animal cages, we must do everything to release them and for the world to wake up already.”
The released three hostages, who were held for 491 days in Hamas captivity, appeared thin and pale – though able to stand. They struggled with exposure to sunlight but were forced to cooperate and answer Hamas’ questions in Hebrew.
In response to the condition of the hostages, Israeli President Isaac Herzog said, “This is what a crime against humanity looks like!”
Despite the images of the released hostages’ condition, the release of terrorists from the Ofer Prison has begun. The Israel Prison Service was preparing to release 183 Palestinian terrorists, including several serving life sentences for murder. They have been brought to the main reception centers in the ‘Ofer’ and ‘Ktziot’ prisons where Red Cross representatives will identify each one.
You can be assured that every terrorist prisoner Israel releases received adequate treatment by Israeli prison staff. They are not going home emaciated or showing signs of having been viciously and brutally treated like Ohad, or, and Eli. The American Red Cross was nowhere to be found to provide and report on treatment for our Israeli hostages. Every rational minded and peace-loving individual who claims they have true concern about the human condition must demand total eradication of Hamas and an investigation into the accountability of the American Red Cross’s inactions. Then we can advocate for shutting down the doors of the American Red Cross. better yet, let’s ask President Donald J. Trump to execute a gut rehab job on this organization. Accept nothing less.
Source:
‘Crime Against Humanity’: Hostages Returned in Emaciated Condition, by TPS-IL, February 10, 2025