THE hostage husband of a woman who was murdered in the October 7 terror attacks did not know his wife and daughters were dead until after his release, relatives say.
Lianne Sharabi, who grew up in Staple Hill before moving to Israel, was killed with her daughters Noiya, aged 16, and 13-year-old Yahel, in their home in Kibbutz Be’eri in southern Israel.
Lianne’s husband Eli was one of around 240 people taken to Gaza as hostages during the attacks of 2023.
He was released in February as part of the ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel.
During the choreographed handover to the Red Cross Mr Sharabi had said he was “very happy” at the prospect of returning to see his wife and daughters.
Lianne’s parents Gill and Peter Brisley, who now live in South Wales, told the BBC that an Israeli Defence Forces soldier told Mr Sharabi what happened to his family after the handover.
Lianne, aged 48, and her daughters were found dead in a ‘safe room’ at their home by Israeli soldiers days after the attacks.
Mrs Brisley told the BBC she and her husband had “bawled our eyes out” seeing Mr Sharabi, saying: “It reminded us of what we lost.
“The only thing that keeps us going is the fact we know Eli is back. At least there’s one member of our very close family that is still alive.”