A 16-year-old British teenager who disappeared after Hamas invaded southern Israel has been confirmed dead by her family.
Noiya Sharabi disappeared after Hamas terrorists attacked Kibbutz Be'eri near the Gaza border on October 7.
Her British-born mother Lianne was killed in the attack, and her sister Yahel, 13, also vanished, along with Noiya and their father Eli.
Yahel, who was also British, was confirmed dead last week. Now Noiya's family have said that she was killed in the attack too after her body had been formally identified. The girls' father Eli remains missing.
In a statement, Noiya’s family said: “Noiya was clever, sensitive, fun and full of life - her smile lit up the room like a beacon.
"Most importantly, she was an amazing granddaughter, cousin and niece. We are heartbroken she has gone, but forever grateful she was here."
According to relatives, the Sharabi family were all sheltering in a safe room in their home when Hamas terrorists broke in on October 7.
Noiya’s mother Lianne sent panicked text messages to relatives when she heard gunshots outside their house. Hamas terrorists then broke into the house, smashing up furniture and killing their pet dog.
Lianne called her sister-in-law Nira Sharabi, who explained her last contact with the family.
Describing the messages, Nira said: “The last contact I had with Lianne and the girls was at about 11am on Saturday morning (October 7).
“She sent me a message saying; ''Nira, I can hear them. They are here at our house. They are shooting and shouting '''Die Israel''. Please call for help''.
“I told her; ''Be Strong! I am calling for help!'' But ten minutes later I lost contact with her and the girls."
Lianne first moved to Israel when she was 19 to help out on a kibbutz as a volunteer. She would visit the UK at least once a year with the rest of her family.
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