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.

The Israeli hostage was informed later that his wife, Leanne, and daughters, Noya (16) and Yahel (13), were killed in their home in Kibbutz Be’eri

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.

For the Israeli hostages freed Saturday, the suffering did not end when Hamas militants paraded their frail and gaunt figures on a stage in Gaza ahead of their release to the Red Cross.

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