The recent kidnapping of approximately 200 people by Hamas has sparked public outrage, but what many people don’t realize is that Hamas has been holding two Israelis captive for several years. Avera Mengistu, an Ethiopian-Israeli, and Hisham al-Sayed, a Bedouin Arab Israeli, were both abducted in 2014 and 2015 respectively. In addition, Hamas has been in possession of the remains of two Israeli soldiers, Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul, since 2014. These families have been tormented by the fact that their loved ones have been held captive for so long. It’s time for Israel to take decisive action and secure the release of these hostages.
Aviram Shaul, the brother of Oron, believes that now is the perfect opportunity for Israel to negotiate a humanitarian deal and bring his brother home. With 200 families suffering the pain of having their relatives held hostage, Aviram believes that the Israeli government must make a concerted effort to secure their release. He argues that the government has not done enough in the past, but now it is their responsibility to take decisive action.
Prisoner swaps have been carried out in the past, such as the exchange in 2011 when Gilad Shalit was released in exchange for over a thousand Palestinian prisoners. However, given the current political climate and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, securing a similar deal now seems unlikely. Israeli officials are determined to defeat Hamas and are launching airstrikes on Gaza, leading to escalating tensions between the two sides.
Hagai Hadas, a former Israeli military commander and intelligence officer, played a key role in negotiating Gilad Shalit’s release. He argues that a political solution like a prisoner swap is currently impossible given the level of anger towards Hamas in Israel. However, he believes that there are other options available to Israel, including direct military action to rescue the hostages, economic incentives, or even allowing Hamas leaders to escape to countries like Qatar in exchange for the hostages.
It is crucial to remember that Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed are not soldiers, but civilians who have been unfairly captured by Hamas. Avera’s mother, Tila Fenta, has been fighting for her son’s release for years, feeling let down by the Israeli state and the international community. She highlights the discrimination faced by Ethiopian Jews and Bedouin Arabs in Israeli society, and believes that this has played a role in the lack of progress in securing their release. Human rights organizations also have a responsibility to do more to help these hostages.
In addition to Avera and Hisham, another young Israeli, Jumaa Abu Ghanima, is missing and believed to be in Hamas custody. These individuals have a history of mental illness and had gone missing multiple times before entering Gaza. Their families continue to suffer while waiting for their release. In January 2023, Hamas released a video of Avera Mengistu, confirming that he is still alive. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has assured Avera’s mother that the government is doing everything possible to secure the release of Avera and the other captives.
The situation is complicated, and any efforts to secure the release of these hostages will undoubtedly be controversial. However, it is vital that Israel takes decisive action and does whatever it can to bring these hostages home. It’s time to prioritize human life and do what is necessary to reunite these families.
