Hamas on Saturday freed two hostages as part of the delicate ceasefire agreement with Israel in exchange for over 600 Palestinian prisoners.
Men were identified as Tal Shoham, 40, and average Mengistu, 39. He was handed over to the Red Cross and was on his way to the IDF forces.
An additional four hostages – Omar Venkart, 23; Omar Shem Tove, 22; Hishm al-Sed, 36; And Elia Cohen, 27 – was expected to be released later on Saturday.
The Israeli defense forces and the Israeli Security Agency said in a joint statement that Shoham and Mentagistu had crossed Israel.
LR: Omer shem tov; Omar Venkarat; And average mental. (Hostage and missing family platform)
“Some time ago, with the IDF and ISA forces, the two returned hostages crossed the border in the region of Israel, and they are currently on their way to an early reception point in Southern Israel, where they have their families. Will re -connect with members of. “IDF is ready to achieve additional hostages that are due to transfer to the red cross in the near future.”
Two of the two hostages are Megistu and al-Sed-such citizens, who have been held since entering Gaza over a decade ago, Hamas’s October 7, 2023 long before the war, against Israel, against Israel The attack, which inspired the army. Venus from Israeli forces.
Shoham’s family said in a statement that his release from Hamas captivity is “an unforgettable moment, where all emotions are getting fast together.”
The statement said, “Our rhythm is with us. We thank all the people of Israel who stood with us through all the long days of pain and pain.” “During these days, we need confidentiality for children and children. In this important moment in our life, our only request is to secure a deal to seize this window of opportunity that the father to seize this window Will bring back your children – children need their father – and all the hostages return home: surviving and eternal comfort for rehabilitation.
LR: Elia Cohen; Taal Shohm; And Hishm al-Sed. (Hostage and missing family platform)
Mengistu’s family also issued a statement, stating that he has tolerated “ten years and five months unimaginable suffering.”
The family said, “During this time, continuous efforts have been made to secure their return with prayers and arguments, some silent, which have been unanswered till date,” the family said. “In these moments, we gather in the curious expectation of the return of our beloved son, brother, and uncle average. Need. “
The remains of Shiri Bibas, the mother of two killed two, returned to Israel after alleged Hamas’s broken promise
A boy holds a weapon as he stands next to a Hamas fighter, which stands in position before handing over four bodies to the Red Cross on Khan Younis, Southern Gaza Strip, Thursday, 20 February, 2025. (AP)
This comes when despite the recent revelations, Shiri Bibas’s body was not initially a deal with a month ago, as promised by Hamas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Hamas would “pay the full price” to hand over the body of a Palestinian woman from Gaza instead of Israeli’s body. The sons of the hostage – Ariel and KFIR Bibas – were withdrawn on Thursday by Hamas as expected by Hamas.
Terrorist group replied after failing to return the body of Shiri Bibas, the hostage of the murder
Red cross vehicles arrive to collect four bodies of coffins, which were assigned by Hamas militants on Khan Younis, Southern Gaza Strip, Thursday, 20 February, 2025. (AP)
Late Friday night, Hamas said that he handed over the body of Shiri Bibas to the Red Cross, which confirmed that he had received human remains inside Gaza and transferred him to Israeli officials. Bibas’s family confirmed his identity in the early hours of Saturday.
Hamas said that “there is no interest in withdrawing any body in its possession.” The terrorist group said that the dead hostages handed over on Thursday were killed by an Israeli aerial attack in November 2023 and the bodies could be misrepresented due to bombing in the area.
A poster features Shiri Bibas, who was abducted on 7 October 2023 with her husband and two young sons, Gaza on 7 October 2023, Friday, 21 February, 2025. (AP)
According to the Israeli army, the terrorist group killed Ariel and Kefir Bibas with “bare hands”, which did not give evidence to support the claim.
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Rear Adam. Daniel Hagri alleged that the forensic analysis of the bodies of Bibas boys revealed that Hamas “did not shoot the boys,” but “killed them with their bare hands” and then “then” to cover the horrific acts to cover these atrocities Committed. ” Hagari said that the lifestyle was killed by the prisoners inside Gaza.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
