Gaza for years”>Avera Mengistu and hisham al Sayed: Hope After Years of Captivity
After nearly a decade of uncertainty, hope flickers for the families of Avera Mengistu and Hisham Al sayed, two Israeli citizens held captive in Gaza.Their names, once shrouded in silence, have emerged on the list of hostages promised release in the initial phase of the recent ceasefire agreement.
Mengistu, born in Ethiopia, crossed into Gaza in 2014. His mental health struggles, acknowledged by both his family and authorities, cast a shadow over his journey. Similarly, Al Sayed, a Muslim Bedouin from Israel’s Negev region, entered Gaza in 2015. Both men, according too Human Rights Watch, were neither soldiers nor affiliated with the Israeli government, despite accusations levied by hamas’s armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades.
Their families, enduring agonizing silence, tirelessly campaigned for their release. Mengistu’s brother, Ilan, even appealed directly to Yahya Sinwar, Hamas’s former leader, for mercy.
Rare glimpses into their lives emerged sporadically. In 2022, a video surfaced showing Al Sayed bedridden and reliant on artificial respiration. Mengistu’s relatives received a brief, undated recording in 2023, capturing him asking questions in Hebrew about the length of his detention.
Their cases intertwined with those of two Israeli soldiers, Oron Shaul and Hadar Goldin, whose remains Hamas captured during the 2014 conflict. The families united, seeking international intervention, culminating in a trip to Geneva in 2023.While the recovery of Shaul’s remains on January 19th brought a bittersweet victory,Goldin’s fate remains uncertain. However, the recent ceasefire agreement offers a glimmer of hope for Mengistu and Al Sayed, potentially paving the way for their return home after years of captivity.
time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. [Expert’s Name]. We’re here to discuss the recent developments regarding Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-sayed, two Israeli citizens held captive in Gaza for nearly a decade.
Expert: It’s my pleasure to be here. This is a notable moment, hopefully a turning point for the families of these men who have endured years of agonizing uncertainty.
Time.news Editor: The ceasefire agreement has offered a glimmer of hope,with Mengistu and Al-Sayed named on a list of hostages to be released. Can you tell us more about their circumstances and the implications of this progress?
Expert: Indeed. Avera Mengistu crossed into Gaza in 2014, and Hisham al-Sayed in 2015. both were civilians, not soldiers or affiliated with the Israeli government, despite accusations made by Hamas.Their mental health and overall well-being during their captivity have been a major concern. Al-Sayed’s condition, as shown in a 2022 video, was particularly concerning. Their cases, frequently enough overshadowed by those of the soldiers captured in the 2014 conflict, still highlight the human cost of the ongoing conflict.
Time.news Editor: What impact has their prolonged captivity had on their families and on the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
Expert: The families have endured unbearable anguish.Mengistu’s brother,Ilan,made repeated appeals for his brother’s release,even directly to former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. Their tireless campaigning and the solidarity shown by families of the captured soldiers have never wavered. This situation underscores the need for greater international attention and pressure on all parties involved to ensure the swift and safe return of all hostages.
Time.news Editor: What are your thoughts on the recent agreement and what does it mean for the families of Mengistu and al-Sayed?
Expert: This agreement offers a glimmer of hope, but it’s crucial to remain cautious. Details regarding the exact terms of the release and timelines need to be clarified.
Time.news Editor: What can the international community do to support the safe return of Mengistu and al-Sayed, and to prevent situations like this from happening again?
Expert: The international community must continue to exert pressure on all parties to uphold human rights and prioritize the safe return of all hostages. this includes demanding transparency from Hamas about the conditions of their captivity and providing support to the families in their ongoing struggle. Ultimately, a enduring solution can only come through a just and lasting peace agreement.