Israel Confirms Hamas to Release Final Six Living Hostages in Ceasefire Phase
Israel has confirmed that Hamas will release the final six living hostages under this phase of the ceasefire deal on Saturday. Among them are Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, who have been held captive for nearly a decade, along with Tal Shoham, Omer Shem-Tov, Omer Wenkert, and Eliya Cohen, who were kidnapped during the October 7, 2023, attack.
In addition to this release, Hamas is expected to return the bodies of eight slain hostages over the next two weeks. The hostages’ families have expressed relief, with some struggling to believe the long-awaited news.
Long-Term Captivity of Mengistu and al-Sayed
Mengistu and al-Sayed both entered Gaza voluntarily—Mengistu in 2014 and al-Sayed in 2015. Mengistu, an Ethiopian-Israeli, crossed into Gaza while experiencing a mental health crisis. Al-Sayed, an Israeli Bedouin, had also been diagnosed with psychological conditions and had previously entered Gaza before being captured by Hamas in 2015. His parents stated that he had crossed the border multiple times, but this time Hamas took him hostage. Al-Sayed had briefly served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) but was released due to mental health issues. Both men were 28 years old at the time of their capture.
The Fate of the Bibas Family
Hamas has announced plans to return the bodies of Shiri Bibas and her two young sons, Kfir (2) and Ariel (5). However, the Israeli government has not confirmed their deaths. Due to Hamas’s history of psychological warfare and misinformation, Israeli officials and the Bibas family remain cautious.
The Bibas family has become a powerful symbol of the ongoing hostage crisis. Many Israelis reacted to the news with grief, anger, and uncertainty. Some continue to hold onto hope, while others demand stronger military action against Hamas. The last known image of Shiri Bibas shows her in distress, surrounded by Hamas terrorists while clutching her two young boys.
Israel Prepares for Next Steps in Gaza
As the ceasefire phase nears its conclusion, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has set strict conditions for any future agreements. He insists on the removal of Hamas from Gaza and has rejected the idea of restoring Palestinian Authority (PA) control over the enclave—an idea that has resurfaced in diplomatic discussions. The PA governed Gaza until 2007, but Hamas violently seized power in a bloody coup, killing 161 Palestinians and injuring over 700 others. Hamas also executed, imprisoned, or expelled Fatah officials, a historical fact that is often overlooked in discussions about Gaza’s governance.
While negotiations for a second phase of the ceasefire are expected to begin, Israel has yet to send its delegation to Qatar, awaiting final approvals. Meanwhile, the Israeli military is preparing for a possible resumption of war, amassing troops and equipment along the Gaza border in case diplomatic efforts fail.
Looking Ahead
As Israel awaits the release of the final hostages in this phase, the nation remains on edge. The fate of those still unaccounted for looms large, and the road ahead remains uncertain. The coming days will determine whether diplomacy prevails or if the conflict escalates once again.
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