End of a Decade of Captivity; 'Hisham al-Sayed' and 'Oura Mengistu' Return Home

After more than a decade of captivity in the Gaza Strip, 'Oura Mengistu' and 'Hisham al-Sayed' are being released today as part of an agreement between Israel and Hamas. Unlike other captives who were abducted during the October 7, 2023 attack, these two hostages had crossed the border into Gaza years ago of their own accord. Oura Mengistu, a 38-year-old man who has been held by Hamas since 2014, is being released today. Gil Elias, a relative and long-time activist for his freedom, described this moment as 'the realization of a dream' in an interview with Channel 12. While waiting for his release, Elias said, 'We are all excited, waiting for the moment Hamas hands him over to the Red Cross... and finally we can breathe easy knowing he is coming home.' According to the plan, Oura's brother, 'Ilan,' and sister, 'Almansa,' will be present at the border to welcome him. However, his religious parents will not attend the ceremony due to Shabbat. Elias commented on the Mengistu family's feelings, saying, 'They have mixed emotions. It's hard to believe they will see him again after 10 years.' He described this release as 'a miracle,' adding, 'It seems the stars have aligned for this to happen.' Hisham al-Sayed, another hostage being released today, has also been imprisoned in Gaza for over a decade. According to the Times of Israel, he, like Mengistu, crossed the border into Gaza of his own accord. His family has spent years trying to learn about his fate and secure his release. With the release of these two hostages, one of the longest periods of captivity for Israelis in Gaza comes to an end. However, while their families eagerly await to reunite with their loved ones, dozens of other hostages remain in the Gaza Strip awaiting an uncertain fate. Hamas is releasing six Israeli hostages. The return of the remains of 'Shiri Bibas' to Israel has been confirmed. Netanyahu: 'The audacity of Hamas is indescribable.'