The father of an Israeli hostage in Gaza has said he fears his 18-year-old daughter may have been sexually abused by her captors.
Eli Albag, the father of an 18-year-old Israeli hostage in Gaza, expresses deep concerns about his daughter’s potential sexual abuse by captors. Albag shares that released hostages, who spent time with his daughter Liri, might possess information but are reluctant to disclose details to spare him further anguish.
The ongoing crisis dates back to the October attacks by Hamas, resulting in over 130 people still unaccounted for. More than 100 captives were released during a ceasefire in November. Some released hostages have reported direct accounts from female captives who experienced sexual assault. A report by the Associated Press has cited doctors stating that 10 released hostages were assaulted or abused.
Eli Albag, part of a group of four relatives lobbying in London, seeks to pressure the UK Government to intervene in the crisis. They emphasize Qatar’s pivotal role in talks and hosting senior Hamas leaders. The relatives urge Qatar to choose between supporting Hamas or aligning with Western civilization.
IMAGE SOURCE,LIRI ALBAG
Liri, Eli Albag’s youngest daughter, is described as a happy and vibrant individual with a love for music and dancing, creating a stark contrast to the distressing situation she is currently facing. Albag, usually a resilient individual, admits to struggling with sleep and communication due to the distressing thoughts about his daughter’s potential ordeal.
The emotional toll on families intensifies as more than three months pass since the hostages were taken. Concerns about possible sexual abuse add urgency to the situation, considering the potential for unwanted pregnancies. The clock is ticking, and the fear of irreversible consequences heightens the need for swift resolution.
As part of their lobbying efforts, the four Israelis attended a Conservative Friends of Israel meeting in London. Eli Albag handed UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak a symbolic dog tag with the words “Bring them home,” echoing the desperate plea for the safe return of the hostages.
In addressing Qatar’s role, Liran Berman, another relative, stresses the need for the Gulf state to decide whether it wants to align with Western civilization or continue hosting Hamas leaders. The relatives assert that Qatar’s choice will significantly impact the resolution of the crisis.
A Qatari official responds by expressing “deepest sympathies” to the hostage families and reaffirms continuous engagement with all sides to reunite the hostages with their families. The official emphasizes Qatar’s efforts to secure releases and provide humanitarian aid to Gaza.
