Former Gaza Hostages Share Heartfelt Letters with Families
Families of former hostages from Gaza received emotional letters from their loved ones, written during their captivity. The letters, penned by Guy Gilboa-Dalal and Alon Ohel, were sent via the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and delivered to their families in Israel. Both men were released on October 30, 2023, after enduring over two years in captivity.
Communicating their longing for home, Gilboa-Dalal and Ohel’s letters were written in late August. According to KAN, the letters were dictated under duress by Hamas, which aimed to maintain visibility regarding the status of the hostages. Gilboa-Dalal’s father, Ilan Dalal, shared details of his son’s letter, which conveyed a heartfelt wish to be released before his sister’s 18th birthday in December.
“I saw Gal and Eli together in a TV report with our shirts on,” the letter stated. “I don’t stop thinking about you, and thoughts of you give me strength.” The family noted the letter’s neat handwriting and coherent thoughts, which brought them some hope regarding Gilboa-Dalal’s well-being during his ordeal.
Ohel’s correspondence similarly expressed deep affection for his family and a determination to endure the hardships of captivity. Both letters were written at a time when Israel had intensified its military operations in Gaza City, coinciding with renewed conflict in the region.
The timing of the letters has drawn attention. Israeli sources suggest that Hamas allowed contact with the ICRC to demonstrate that Israeli hostages were still alive, potentially as a strategy to deter military action against them. This tactic underscores the complex dynamics at play amidst ongoing hostilities in Gaza.
As families digest the emotional weight of these letters, they remain hopeful for the future. The correspondence serves as a poignant reminder of the human toll of conflict, resonating deeply within communities affected by the ongoing violence.
