Photo: telegram channel
The planned release of Israeli hostage Hisham Shaaban al-Sayed during a “ceremony” in Nusra’at will not take place. This was reported by sources inside Hamas. According to them, the release of the 36-year-old man, who suffered from mental disorders and voluntarily moved to Gaza in 2015, will be held later and in another place.
Reasons for the transfer
According to Hamas representatives, the decision to postpone the release was made “out of respect for his family” and “because he is a Muslim”. However, there are no specific details on the new location and time of al-Sayed’s transfer.
This decision caused outrage in Israel, as it was previously reported that Hisham would be released along with other hostages during an official ceremony with the participation of representatives of the Red Cross.
Who is Hisham Shaaban al-Sayed?
Hisham Shaaban al-Sayed is an Israeli Arab with mental disabilities who crossed the border into the Gaza Strip on his own in 2015. Since then, he has been held by Hamas, becoming one of its longest-serving hostages.
His story has been repeatedly discussed in the Israeli media and internationally as an example of a humanitarian problem. Activists have called for his release, highlighting his mental state.
Israel’s reaction
Israeli officials have not yet commented on the change in plans to release al-Sayed. However, human rights organisations have already condemned Hamas for using hostages for political purposes and attempting to manipulate the exchange process.
What’s next?
It is not yet known when exactly Hisham Shaaban al-Sayed will be released. It is expected that the Red Cross and other international mediators will try to agree on a new date and place for the transfer.
This delay adds tension to the already complicated hostage exchange process, and highlights the complexity of the humanitarian challenges in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
