Live updates: Follow the latest on Israel-Gaza
Two of the Israelis released from Gaza on Saturday have been held captive for a decade, with their families unaware of whether they were alive or dead for most of that time.
Avera Mengistu, 38, and Hisham Al Sayed, 37, who are both reported to have mental health issues, were captured by Hamas after crossing into Gaza within months of each other.
Mr Mengistu was born in Ethiopia and moved with his family to the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon at the age of five. In September 2014, he crossed into Gaza from the Zikim beach on the strip’s northern border. His family received the first indications he was alive from Hamas more than eight years later, in January 2023.
“Our family has endured 10 years and five months of unimaginable suffering,” his family said in a statement issued on Saturday. “During this time, there have been continuous efforts to secure his return, with prayers and pleas, some silent, that remained unanswered until today.”
“It’s hard to process that they’re going to see him after 10 years,” said Gil Elias, a lawyer representing the family. “It’s really a miracle.”
Mr Mengistu was released on Saturday morning alongside Tal Shoham, one of the hostages seized during the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
Mr Al Sayed, a Bedouin Israeli from the Negev who disappeared after crossing into Gaza in April 2015, was the last hostage to be released on Saturday. He was handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza city without the public ceremony seen at the release of all the other hostages freed so far. He had made a previous attempt to enter Gaza in 2010 and has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Hamas released a video in June 2022 showing Mr Al Sayed lying in a bed wearing an oxygen mask.
His family released a statement saying they “are overwhelmed with emotion at Hisham’s return home".
“After nearly a decade of fighting for his return, the long-awaited moment has finally arrived. We extend our gratitude to the entire people of Israel, who stood by us and supported us over the years. A special thanks to the families of the hostages and the headquarters that embraced us and saw us as a natural part of the struggle to bring everyone home,” they said.
“Now, more than ever, we emphasise the importance of continuing the framework that will bring all the hostages home – the living for rehabilitation and the fallen for a proper burial in Israel.”
VEZEETA PROFILE
Date started: 2012
Founder: Amir Barsoum
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: HealthTech / MedTech
Size: 300 employees
Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)
Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC
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The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
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How Islam's view of posthumous transplant surgery changed
Transplants from the deceased have been carried out in hospitals across the globe for decades, but in some countries in the Middle East, including the UAE, the practise was banned until relatively recently.
Opinion has been divided as to whether organ donations from a deceased person is permissible in Islam.
The body is viewed as sacred, during and after death, thus prohibiting cremation and tattoos.
One school of thought viewed the removal of organs after death as equally impermissible.
That view has largely changed, and among scholars and indeed many in society, to be seen as permissible to save another life.
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How to improve Arabic reading in early years
One 45-minute class per week in Standard Arabic is not sufficient
The goal should be for grade 1 and 2 students to become fluent readers
Subjects like technology, social studies, science can be taught in later grades
Grade 1 curricula should include oral instruction in Standard Arabic
First graders must regularly practice individual letters and combinations
Time should be slotted in class to read longer passages in early grades
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Dr Nawal Al-Hosany: Why more women should be on the frontlines of climate action
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Justin Thomas: Challenge the notion that 'men are from Mars, women are from Venus'
The National Editorial: Is there much to celebrate on International Women's Day 2021?
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The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Part three: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
