Kibbutz Bari, Israel – Israeli officials have confirmed the deaths of two hostages who were seen pleading for their lives in a propaganda video released by Hamas. The victims, Yossi Sharabi and Itai Sabirsky, were abducted from Kibbutz Bari. The kibbutz announced the pair’s murders on Tuesday, expressing their solidarity with the families in their immense pain.
According to Israeli Defense Forces, there was “grave concern for their fate due to information we have.” However, neither Hamas nor IDF have admitted responsibility for the deaths. IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari denied Hamas’ claims that the victims were killed in an Israeli airstrike, stating that the building where they were held was not a target.
Yossi Sharabi, 53, was kidnapped from the kibbutz along with his brother and his daughter’s partner. Similarly, Itai Sabirsky was kidnapped during a visit to his mother’s home. Both victims had been held captive by Hamas, who released a propaganda video featuring them alongside another hostage, Noa Argamani.
The families of the victims are now demanding the return of their loved ones’ bodies from Hamas. Despite the tragic outcome, the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Sharabi and Sabirsky remain unclear. The Israeli Defense Forces have asserted their commitment to investigating the incident and determining the truth behind the hostage crisis.
The murders of these hostages have left a community in mourning, as they grapple with the loss of their loved ones and seek justice for the victims. This tragic event underscores the ongoing tensions and conflicts in the region, reminding the world of the human cost of such geopolitical struggles. As the investigation continues, the families of the victims and the kibbutz community find themselves united in grief and resilience in the face of adversity.