The family of an Israeli hostage, featured in a recent proof-of-life video released by Hamas, has expressed their shock at her altered appearance, despite the efforts made by the terror group to enhance her look. Liri Elbag, one of six soldiers captured from the Nahal Oz base near the Gaza border, remains one of the 100 hostages still held, out of the 251 taken on October 7. Approximately 60 of these hostages are believed to be alive.
In the video, the 19-year-old hostage, who is soon to turn 20, can be seen wearing a new army shirt, possibly provided by her captors. She also appears to have layered clothing, likely to mask any weight loss. Shira Elbag, her mother, commented after viewing the video, “This is not the Liri we know.”
Describing her daughter’s demeanor as “turned off and scared” in the footage, Mrs. Elbag expressed concerns about the circumstances in which the video was recorded, stating, “We hear that the terrorists are standing by with guns and dictating to her what to say.” The family had been anxiously awaiting any sign of life from Liri and was devastated upon learning of her appearance in the latest video released by Hamas.
Expressing a strong desire for her daughter’s safe return, Mrs. Elbag emphasized the need for Liri to be reunited with her family, highlighting the prolonged period of isolation she has endured. She affirmed the family’s determination to remain resilient, declaring, “She’s coming back alive, believe it.”
Reports have indicated that Hamas deliberately seeks to improve the appearance of hostages prior to their release, a practice that may extend to the filming of proof-of-life videos. The Israeli health ministry submitted a report to the United Nations detailing concerns about the risks associated with reintegrating excessively fed hostages into Israel, citing potential occurrences of refeeding syndrome in malnourished individuals.
The report also disclosed that nearly half of the returned hostages recounted being deliberately deprived of adequate nutrition during their captivity, leading to a significant average weight loss ranging from 10-17% of their body weight. Hostages were subjected to poor diets and confined in dark spaces, heightening the likelihood of vitamin D deficiency.
In an emotional interview with Israel’s Kan news, Mrs. Elbag acknowledged the mixed emotions evoked by seeing a sign of life from her daughter, emphasizing the ongoing hardships faced by the family amidst the uncertainty of the situation. Ceasefire negotiations aimed at securing the release of hostages are ongoing in Doha, facilitated by international mediation from Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.
The distressing ordeal faced by Liri Elbag and her family serves as a poignant reminder of the human toll of conflict and the enduring hope for reunification in the face of adversity.
