Ambassador Dorothy Shea, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim, addressed the media before a United Nations Security Council meeting focused on hostages held by Hamas. During her remarks, she expressed gratitude and admiration for Mr. Eli Sharabi, who provided firsthand testimony about the situation.
Shea emphasized the significance of Sharabi's testimony to the Security Council, highlighting how it underscores Hamas' initiation of conflict with a terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, resulting in 250 people being taken hostage.
"The United States is honored to have Mr. Sharabi here," Shea stated. "It is important for the Council to hear directly from hostages who were kept in Hamas captivity."
Sharabi's account was noted as particularly poignant due to his personal loss—his wife Lianne, daughters Noiya and Yahel, and brother Yossi were murdered by Hamas. His brother Yossi's body remains in Gaza.
"Despite this horrific ordeal and the extreme sorrow he is experiencing, he continues relentlessly to advocate for the release of all the hostages," Shea remarked.
She reiterated President Trump's position that Hamas must release all 59 hostages immediately or face consequences. Among these hostages are American citizens Edan Alexander, Itay Chen, Judith Weinstein-Haggai, Gad Haggai, and Omer Neutra.
"We will always stand with Israel as it defends itself and pushes to secure the release of all hostages from Hamas captivity," Shea concluded before turning over the podium to Ambassador Danon.