The Israeli Defense Forces rated the actions of Hamas regarding Hisham al-Sayed, an Israeli Muslim of Bedouin descent, as deplorable. Instead of a formal release ceremony planned with three other hostages, they acclaimed his release.
A Change in Plans
Hisham al-Sayed was held in Gaza since 2015, and his release turned out to be more sudden than anticipated. According to earlier reports, awaiting the sudden release probably meant that he was among three other prisoners due to stand together during the great celebrational release throughout a designated time frame in Nuseirat. But since then, instead of planning the release properly, Hamas acted as a judge and jury, insulating him from the prescribed formalities.
The IDF’s statement wondered aloud about Hamas’ motives when it commented that “Hamas did not organize its usual ceremony for the release of Hisham al-Sayed out of supposed respect for the Israeli Bedouin community, thus avoiding causing the usual traumatizing process.”
Israeli Forces Challenge the Motivation Behind the Release
Unrest surged in Israel following the release of the hostages, with IDF officials demanding an explanation from Hamas as to why it re-established the enjoyment of “respect” only now, notwithstanding that al-Sayed had already been in captivity for almost ten years. In turn, Israeli officials pointed out that Bedouin Israelis had fared badly with respect to the treatment meted out when they were taken captive, affirming that they considered Hamas’s approach to be its own inconsistent one.
The Hostages Come Home Amid Growing Tension
In addition to al-Sayed, five other hostages were handed over to the Red Crescent in Rafah, southern Gaza. The process of release took place in stages, with two being freed first, followed by three others hours later.
The Israeli military confirmed that those trespass pursued were then handed over to the security services for medical check-ups before being reunited with their families.
Who Were Released Hostages?
Among those released were:
– Eliya Cohen (27 years old) – Captured with his girlfriend during the October 7 Hamas attack.
– Omer Shem Tov (22 years old) – Taken while trying to help friends escape.
– Tal Shoham (40 years old) – He was abducted from Kibbutz Be’eri; his wife and children were released in November 2023.
– Omer Wenkert (23 years old) – A hotel manager who was kidnapped after attempting to flee.
– Hisham al-Sayed (Bedouin Israeli) – Held captive since 2015.
– Avera Mengistu (Ethiopian Israeli) – Detained by Hamas since 2014.
What Comes Next?
Israeli forces are preparing to release other hostages through more negotiations. During this period, the Israeli government reasserted its commitment to winning the freedom of all other hostages. It continues to exert pressure on Hamas to explain the circumstances of their imprisonment fully.
The release of al-Sayed has renewed debate among Israeli officials and analysts concerning Hamas’ hostage policies, casting doubt on the group’s motivating factors and its larger political strategy.