Story perspectives

Former Hostage Shares Harrowing 491-Day Gaza Experience

10/18/2025

Summary

Story summary

Eli Sharabi was abducted by Hamas and endured 491 days of captivity in Gaza's tunnels before his release on February 8, 2025.
He published the memoir "Hostage," detailing his experience and inhumane treatment, including starvation and beatings.
He learned of his family's deaths only upon his return to Israel.
After mainstream UK publishers initially rejected the book, an independent publisher released "Hostage" on October 9, 2025 to raise awareness.

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Story summary

Eli Sharabi was abducted by Hamas and endured 491 days of captivity in Gaza's tunnels before his release on February 8, 2025.
He published the memoir "Hostage," detailing his experience and inhumane treatment, including starvation and beatings.
He learned of his family's deaths only upon his return to Israel.
After mainstream UK publishers initially rejected the book, an independent publisher released "Hostage" on October 9, 2025 to raise awareness.