Families of former hostages from Gaza received letters from their loved ones last month, expressing deep emotions during their time in captivity. Guy Gilboa-Dalal and Alon Ohel, both freed on October 2, 2023, after more than two years held by Hamas, communicated their sentiments through letters delivered to their families in Israel by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
The letters, written in late August, revealed the hostages’ longing for home and their families. Gilboa-Dalal’s father, Ilan Dalal, shared that his son expressed wishes to be released before his younger sister’s upcoming 18th birthday in December. In his letter, Gilboa-Dalal wrote, “I saw Gal and Eli together in a TV report with our shirts on. I don’t stop thinking about you, and thoughts of you give me strength.”
The family noted that the letter was penned with neat handwriting and logical phrasing, which offered them hope regarding Gilboa-Dalal’s condition during captivity. Ohel’s letter similarly conveyed his emotional struggles and determination to endure the hardships he faced. He expressed his longing for his family and an unwavering spirit despite the harrowing circumstances.
Context of the Letters
According to KAN, the timing of the letters coincided with Israel’s intensified military operations in Gaza City. Israeli officials suspect that Hamas allowed communication with the ICRC intentionally, aiming to signal the presence of Israeli hostages in areas potentially targeted by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). This move may have been an effort to deter military action against the organization.
The letters from Gilboa-Dalal and Ohel not only serve as a testament to their resilience but also highlight the emotional toll of prolonged captivity. The families, receiving correspondence after such a long period of uncertainty, expressed immense relief and hope upon reading the heartfelt messages.
The ongoing situation in Gaza remains complex and fraught with tension, as families and communities continue to grapple with the impacts of the conflict. These letters, while small gestures, offer a glimpse into the human experience behind the headlines, reminding many of the profound connections that persist even in the darkest of times.