An Israeli hostage freed from Gaza did not know his wife and daughters were killed in the 7 October attack until after his release on Saturday, his British family said. Eli Sharabi was taken by Hamas 16 months ago and released on Saturday in Deir al-Balah, in Gaza.

Mr Sharabi, 52, was taken hostage by Hamas gunmen from Kibbutz Beeri 16 months ago. His Bristol-born wife Lianne and teenage daughters Noiya and Yahel were killed by militants while hiding in their safe room. Mr Sharabi’s brother Yossi Sharabi, who lived next door, was killed in captivity.

After 491 days in Hamas captivity, Eli Sharabi was freed, only to learn that his wife, daughters, and brother had died.

Eli Sharabi's brother-in-law Steve Brisley, who lives in Bridgend, south Wales, expressed joy at his release, but voiced concerns over Mr Sharabi's gaunt appearance and whether he knew his wife and daughters had been killed in the 7 October attack.

Captors subjected the hostages to physical and psychological torment, according to those recently released under a ceasefire deal.

The Hamas militant group said Thursday it would release the next three Israeli hostages as planned this weekend in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, raising the prospect of resolving a major dispute over the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

Israel warned Thursday that Hamas must release three living hostages this weekend or face a resumption of the war in Gaza, after the Palestinian militant group said it was committed to the truce agreement.

Palestinian militant group Hamas has announced that it will proceed with the release of three Israeli hostages as originally planned on Saturday. The group has also withdrawn its previous threat to delay the next release of captives,

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