In recent years, much attention has been given to the approximately 200 people kidnapped by Hamas in its attack on Israel. However, little has been said about the plight of Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, two Israelis held captive by Hamas since 2014 and 2015 respectively. Additionally, the remains of two Israeli soldiers, Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul, have been held by Hamas since 2014. The families of these individuals are tormented by the lack of progress in securing their release or the return of their loved ones’ remains.
The captive Israelis have become bargaining chips for Hamas, which has previously demanded a high price for their release. Aviram Shaul, brother of Oron, believes that now is an opportune time for the Israeli government to make a concerted effort to bring the hostages home. With approximately 200 families affected by loved ones held hostage, Aviram argues that the government must prioritize securing their release. He suggests that Israel should link the provision of electricity and water to the return of the hostages and soldiers’ remains.
However, any potential prisoner swap would be a difficult and controversial prospect. Israel is determined to eradicate Hamas and has been carrying out air strikes on Gaza, resulting in significant casualties and damage. As the death toll in Gaza rises, Palestinian anger towards Israel intensifies. Hagai Hadas, who played a key role in negotiating the release of abducted soldier Gilad Shalit, believes that in the current climate, a prisoner deal with Hamas is unlikely. He suggests that Israel now has various options, including direct military rescue, economic payment, humanitarian efforts, or allowing Hamas leaders to escape to Qatar. Hadas emphasizes that Israel values life and is willing to pay for it.
The case of Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed is further complicated by their mental health issues. Both individuals had gone missing repeatedly and had received psychiatric treatment before entering Gaza. Hamas alleges that they are soldiers, but official Israeli documents indicate that they are civilians exempt from military service. Tila Fenta, who leads the campaign for Avera’s release, feels that the Israeli state has failed to adequately address their situation. She links the lack of progress to discrimination against marginalized communities in Israeli society, specifically Ethiopian Jews and Bedouin Arabs.
It is worth noting that Jumaa Abu Ghanima, another Israeli citizen, crossed into Gaza in 2016 and is still missing. There is no confirmation at this point whether he is in Hamas’ custody. The release of video footage featuring Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed has brought some attention to their cases, and Prime Minister Netanyahu has assured their families that efforts are ongoing to secure their release. Tzur Goldin, brother of the late Hadar Goldin, advocates for a clear policy to address Hamas kidnappings and emphasizes the impact that these incidents have on families and society at large.
The situation involving the captive Israelis is complex, and any attempts to secure their release will undoubtedly face challenges. Negotiating with terrorists is a dilemma faced by many nations, and Israel must navigate the conflicting options of such deals. Furthermore, the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas adds additional layers of complexity and raises questions about the feasibility and effectiveness of different approaches. Given the gravity of the situation and the potential impact on Israeli society, it is imperative for the government to prioritize the safe return of the hostages and the recovery of the soldiers’ remains.
