Families of former hostages from Gaza received poignant letters last month, written by their loved ones during their time in captivity. On Monday, Guy Gilboa-Dalal and Alon Ohel were released after spending over two years held by Hamas. The letters, sent through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), expressed deep feelings of longing and hope.
The letters were reportedly written in late August 2023, a time when Israel had renewed its military operations in Gaza City. According to a report by KAN, both Gilboa-Dalal and Ohel were compelled by their captors to write these messages, which were then delivered to their families in Israel.
Ilan Dalal, the father of Guy Gilboa-Dalal, shared insights into the content of the letter. It revealed Gilboa-Dalal’s wish to be released before his younger sister’s 18th birthday in December. “I saw Gal and Eli together in a TV report with our shirts on,” the letter expressed. “I don’t stop thinking about you, and thoughts of you give me strength,” he wrote, conveying a powerful message of resilience to his family.
Ohel’s letter similarly highlighted his emotional state during captivity. He articulated his profound longing for his family and emphasized the strength he drew from thoughts of home, despite the horrors he faced.
Context of the Letters and Captivity
The timing of the letters has raised questions among Israeli sources. They speculate that Hamas deliberately chose to allow communication with the ICRC at this juncture to signal that Israeli hostages were present in areas susceptible to military action by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). This strategic move might have been aimed at deterring potential offensives against the militant group.
The families of the hostages noted that the letters were written in neat handwriting, with logical phrasing, which provided them with a sense of hope regarding their loved ones’ conditions. The emotional weight of these letters underscores the human impact of the ongoing conflict, illustrating the challenges faced by those caught in the crossfire.
As the situation in Gaza continues to evolve, the release of Gilboa-Dalal and Ohel offers a moment of respite for their families, who have endured years of uncertainty and distress. The letters serve as a reminder of the enduring bonds of family and the strength that love can provide, even in the darkest times.
