Hisham al-Sayed

'Hamas abused Hisham knowing he was mentally ill,' father says

In 2015, Al-Sayed wandered into southern Gaza and was abducted by Hamas. He was released by Hamas in February as part of the hostage-ceasefire deal.

 Hisham al-Sayed reunites with his family after returning from a near decade in Gaza captivity, February 22, 2025
 Shaaban al-Sayed (left) and Ilan Mengistu (right) speaking at Ichilov hospital following the release on Saturday of Hisham al-Sayed and Avera Mengistu.

Hisham's father takes aim at Arab world for failing to act, Avera's brother calls for full release

 Freed hostages Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, February 22, 2025

Hamas's abuse of two mentally ill Israelis shows depths of terror group's cruelty - comment

 Hisham al-Sayed reunites with his family after returning from a near decade in Gaza captivity, February 22, 2025

Bedouin-Israeli Hisham al-Sayed freed after near decade in Hamas captivity


Hostage release plan finalized: 33 hostages to be freed in initial phase

While families of hostages have welcomed the agreement, others criticized the release of high-security detainees. The government has stressed the necessity of the deal to bring hostages home.

 Key terms of possible hostage and ceasefire deal, January 13, 2025 (illustration).

'You country is abandoning you': Avera Mengistu's family at rally marking 10 years in captivity

"As of yesterday, September 7, it has been 10 years of Avera Mengistu being held in Hamas' brutal captivity," said the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. 

 Avera's father speaks at the rally.

Hamas publishes photos of IDF tags snatched from Israeli soldier

The terrorist group did not provide further details about the dog tag, which carried the name of the Givati Brigade.

 A dog tag Hamas says it seized during the ambush in which IDF soldier Hadar Golin was kidnapped in 2014.

'Do I need to set myself on fire?' Goldin family tells Netanyahu at memorial

Ayelet Goldin, Hadar's sister, called out to Netanyahu "You are guilty, prime minister. You are abandoning soldiers and civilians."

 Friends, family and activists hold a protest march calling for the return of killed Israeli soldiers Oron Shaul, Hadar Goldin and captive Israeli citizen Avera Mengistu near Ashdod, August 5, 2022

Israel to hold body of Fatah terrorist to negotiate with Hamas

The body of the Palestinian Fatah terrorist will be kept as part of efforts to reach a deal to return Israelis held captive by Hamas in Gaza.

  Palestinians including gunmen gather during a protest following the death of senior Palestinian militant Nasser Abu Hmaid who was jailed by Israel and died in an Israeli hospital where he had been moved to after his health deteriorated, in Ramallah in the West Bank December 20, 2022.

Israeli gov't can't bring Hadar back - Tzur Goldin at march to Gaza

“No one in this government intends to bring my brother home,” said Tzur. “We the public will bring them home.”

March to the Gaza Strip in protest of the capture of four Israeli citizens by Hamas.

Israeli Father of Gaza captive appeals to UNSC to save his son

Last month Hamas published a video of Hisham al-Sayed lying in bed with a gas mask to help him breathe.

 Israeli ambassador Gilad Erdan at the United Nations General Assembly.

Lapid, Herzog raised issue of Israeli captives in Gaza with Biden

The weight of the US could significantly influence the development and trajectory of the negotiations, said President Isaac Herzog.

US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Yair Lapid meet on the second day of Biden's visit

Hamas to allow left-wing Israel activist into Gaza, he wants to visit hostages

The idea of entering Gaza, left-wing activist Yoel Marshak said, was born in part out of his relationship with Palestinian journalist Sami Obeid.

 General view of Gaza city May 29, 2022.

Hamas releases footage of Israeli captive Hisham al-Sayed

Hamas had announced on Monday that the health of one of the captives it is holding was deteriorating.

 Screenshot from Hamas video of Hisham al-Sayed

Hamas says health of one Israeli captive deteriorated

"Cynical and criminal" Hamas "holds mentally ill civilians in violation of all international conventions and laws," said the Prime Minister’s Office.

Israelis Hadar Goldin, Oron Shaul, Avera Mengistu and Hisham Al-Sayed being held by Hamas in Gaza