Hamas Releases Israeli and Ethiopian Hostages in Prisoner Swap
Six hostages, including an Israeli Bedouin and an Ethiopian-born man, were freed by Hamas on Saturday in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Civilians Hisham al-Sayed, 36, and Avera Mengistu, 39, had been detained in Gaza for years after entering the enclave due to mental health issues.
Mengistu, who lived in Ashkelon, Israel, crossed a border fence in 2014, while Sayed, an Israeli Bedouin from the Negev desert, entered Gaza in 2015.
History of Mental Illness
Both Sayed and Mengistu had a history of mental illness, according to their families and Human Rights Watch. They were known for extended walks and are not believed to have been connected to the Israeli government or military.
Painful Ordeal
Mengistu's family expressed their relief and joy after his release, stating, "We have endured unimaginable suffering for over ten years. Our prayers and pleas have finally been answered."
Sayed's father shared his anguish, saying, "Holding him captive for something he didn't do was unbearable. He posed no threat and only loved Gaza."
Hamas's Pressure
Hamas had previously released videos of Sayed and Mengistu as a means to pressure Israel into a prisoner exchange. The videos showed Sayed on an oxygen mask and Mengistu in an apparent state of distress.
In addition to Sayed and Mengistu, Hamas held the bodies of two Israeli soldiers killed in the 2014 Gaza war. One was recovered by Israeli troops last month, while the other remains in Hamas custody.
