Eli Sharabi, 52, Ohad Ben Ami, 56, and Or Levy, 34, were released on Shabbos morning in shocking condition after 491 days in Hamas captivity in Gaza.

Ohad Ben-Ami was so emaciated that his own wife said she barely recognized him.

Dr. Hagar Mizrahi, the head of the Health Ministry’s Medical Division, said at a press conference: “This morning, upon their release, we saw clear signs of severe malnutrition—stark evidence of the hell they endured. We saw significant weight loss. These are difficult scenes to process.”

Dr. Yael Frankel-Nir, the director of Sheba Hospital, said that “the consequences of 491 days in captivity are evident in the two released hostages who arrived at Sheba today, and their medical condition is poor. This time the situation is more severe. Such dire conditions have serious health repercussions.”

Brig. Gen. (res.) Gal Hirsch, Israel’s coordinator for missing and captive persons, said the “disturbing images” from their release will not go unanswered. “Israel takes Hamas’ repeated violations of the agreement very seriously, and appropriate actions will be taken,” Hirsch said, adding that the message had been conveyed to mediators.

“The shocking sights we witnessed today touch us all and add to the painful memory of October 7, 2023,” Hirsch said. “Israel views these repeated violations by Hamas with the utmost severity, particularly the condition of the three hostages released today. Together with their families, we embrace Ohad, Eli and Or. We have prepared for their return and will assist in their recovery and rehabilitation after their prolonged and painful captivity.”

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar published a video statement to foreign ministers around the world, emphasizing that the hostages look like Holocaust survivors.

‘For over a year, the international community has danced to the tune of the false propaganda of so-called starvation in Gaza but the images we saw today don’t lie – Hamas terrorists and other Gaza residents look perfectly fine,” Sa’ar said.

”The Israeli hostages look like Holocaust survivors. Today, we saw that the only starvation is the starvation of Israeli hostages. Hamas is committing crimes against humanity, against civilian hostages, and this Hamas Nazi evil must be eliminated.”

President Isaac Herzog said: “This is what a crime against humanity looks like!”

“The whole world must look directly at Ohad, Or, and Eli—returning after 491 days of hell, starved, emaciated and pained—being exploited in a cynical and cruel spectacle by vile murderers. We take solace in the fact that they are being returned alive to the arms of their loved ones.

“Since her release from captivity, Raz, Ohad’s wife, along with their three brave daughters—Yulie, Ella, and Natalie—have led a determined struggle in Israel and around the world for his return.

“Or and his wife Einav came to celebrate at the Nova festival. Hamas terrorists murdered Einav and abducted Or to Gaza. Their son, Almog—”Mogi”—only three years old, was cared for by their loving families through this terrible ordeal, and finally has his Daddy back.

“The tragedy of the Sharabi family is etched into the nation’s consciousness. Eli’s wife, Lianne, and their two daughters, Noiya and Yahel, were murdered on October 7 in Be’eri. His brother, Yossi, was kidnapped and did not survive captivity—we must bring him back to be laid to rest in dignity. Eli and Yossi’s mother, Hanna, and their siblings Sharon and Osnat have dedicated all their strength to the struggle for their return, together with their incredible family.

“Completing the hostage deal is a humanitarian, moral, and Jewish duty. It is essential to bring back all our sisters and brothers from the hell of captivity in Gaza—every last one of them!”

(YWN’s Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis ha’Shabbos in Israel)