In a notable turn of events, six hostages were released by Hamas on 22 February 2024, as part of a fragile ceasefire agreement. Among those freed were Hisham al-Sayed and Avera Mengistu, both Israelis who had been held captive in Gaza for nearly a decade.
Hostage Profiles
Hisham al-Sayed, 36, a Bedouin with Israeli citizenship from the Negev desert, and Avera Mengistu, 39, an Ethiopian-born man from Ashkelon, had a history of mental illness according to their families.
- Hisham al-Sayed: Entered Gaza in April 2015.
- Avera Mengistu: Crossed a barbed wire fence into Gaza in September 2014.
Families’ Emotional Turmoil
The families of both hostages expressed immense relief, having endured years of anxiety and uncertainty. Mengistu’s family described their decade-long ordeal as “unimaginable suffering.”
Public Reaction in Israel
The release ignited an emotional response in Israel, particularly in Tel Aviv, where crowds gathered at a site called “Hostages Square”. Tears flowed as people cheered upon receiving news of the releases. Shiri Bibas, another hostage, was also confirmed dead, further intensifying communal grief.
The Framework of the Ceasefire
The current truce, which commenced on 19 January, aims to facilitate further exchanges, with Hamas also committing to release additional Palestinian prisoners. A total of 602 prisoners are expected to be freed by Israel as part of this deal.
Contextual Background
This hostage situation stems from the unprecedented attack by Hamas on 7 October 2023, which ignited ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. The toll of this crisis has been staggering:
- 1,215 people killed in Israel, primarily civilians.
- At least 48,319 deaths in Gaza, many of whom are also civilians.
Both sides have expressed a commitment to negotiations, though the road ahead remains fraught with challenges.