JERUSALEM (VINnews) — BDE: Israeli Kibbutz Be’eri announced Tuesday that two of its residents being held captive by Hamas in Gaza, Itay Svirsky and Yossi Sharabi, have been murdered while imprisoned by the Palestinian terrorist group.
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Kibbutz officials stated “The abductees Itai Svirsky and Yossi Sharabi were murdered in captivity and their bodies are being held by Hamas.”
In separate statements, the kibbutz mourned the two members.
“Yossi Sharabi (53) was a loving and devoted father and husband, a real family man with a big heart,” the announcement stated. “A kind soul, he was caring and known for his dedication to all those around him.”
“Originally from Tel Aviv, Yossi moved to Kibbutz Be’eri 30 years ago, following in the footsteps of his brother Eli, as he wanted to embrace the communal lifestyle there.
“Raised in a traditional home, he was responsible for the synagogue on Shabbat and holidays. An avid fan of the Maccabi Tel Aviv, Real Madrid, and Manchester United soccer teams, in recent years he had taken up surfing. But most of all, Yossi was a man who was always filled with joie de vivre. Yossi leaves behind his wife and three daughters. His body is still being held by Hamas.”
The Kibbutz released a separate statement announcing the passing of Itay Svirsky.
“Kibbutz Be’eri mourns the death of our beloved member Itai Svirsky kidnapped on October 7th to Gaza, the announcement stated. “We share in the profound grief of the Svirsky family.”
“This loss is unfathomable for the families. Everything must be done to bring the living home safely and the murdered for proper burial.
On Monday, Hamas had claimed that the two were killed in Israeli airstrikes. The update from Hamas came in a video featuring Noa Argamani, in which the 26-year-old reported the death of her fellow hostages.
“I was located in a building,” Argamani said in the Hamas video. “It was bombed by an IDF airstrike, an F16 fighter jet. Three rockets were fired. Two of the rockets exploded, and the other didn’t. We were in the building with Al Qassam soldiers and three hostages: Myself, Noa Argamani, Itai Svirsky, and Yosef Sharabi.
“After the building we were in was hit, we were all buried under rubble. Al Qassam soldiers saved my life, and Itai’s, unfortunately, we were not able to save Yossi’s.
“After many days…two nights, Itai and I were relocated to another place. While we were being transported, Itai was hit by an IDF airstrike. He did not survive.”
Hamas has a track record of engaging in psychological warfare.
“Itai Svirsky and Yossi Sharabi,” Argamani concluded in the video. “They died because of our own IDF airstrikes. Stop this madness and bring us home to our families. While we are still alive, bring us home.”
The IDF denied having targeted the building where the hostages were being held, but expressed the fear for the lives of Itai and Yossi on Monday based on information it had. The IDF said that they knew approximately the place where they were being held and were careful not to bomb there, although they had bombed nearby.