ALBAWABA - In a persistent standoff affecting the reconstruction dialogue in Gaza, the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, continues to hold four Israeli prisoners, two of whom were captured during the 2014 conflict in the Gaza Strip. The circumstances surrounding the entry of the remaining two into the territory remain shrouded in mystery, and Hamas remains silent on the fate and location of these detainees.
In a significant development, the Israeli channel "Kan" has reported that Tel Aviv is insisting on the return of four of its captives before any initiatives for the reconstruction of the long-besieged Gaza Strip can commence. The region, blockaded since 2006, faces a deadlock as the demand adds a layer of complexity to the already challenging situation.
The military wing of Hamas, the Islamic Resistance Movement, known as the Al-Qassam Brigades, revealed a startling revelation – the loss of communication with a cell responsible for the four captives in Gaza since 2014. This revelation came through a video posted on their Telegram channel, marking a decade since the individuals were captured.
Shaul Aron
Shaul Aron, born on December 27, 1993, and hailing from the Boria settlement in the Nazareth region, was among the captured. He served in an elite unit on the Gaza border and participated in the 2014 war, ultimately being captured by Al-Qassam Brigades in an operation east of Gaza on July 20, 2014.
Hadar Goldin
Hadar Goldin, born on February 18, 1991, held the rank of Second Lieutenant in the Givati Brigade. He was captured by Hamas in Rafah, southern Gaza, on August 1, 2014, marking a critical moment in the conflict.
Avera Mengistu
Avera Mengistu, born on August 22, 1986, in Ethiopia, migrated to Tel Aviv at the age of 5. Crossing the separation fence into Gaza in September 2014, he has been missing since. Notably, he struggled with mental health issues and was discharged from military service in March 2013.
Hisham al-Sayed
Hisham al-Sayed, also known as Omar, a Palestinian with Israeli citizenship from the village of Hura in the Negev, disappeared after entering Gaza in April 2015. Despite volunteering for the Israeli army in August 2008, he was discharged in November 2008. Al-Qassam Brigades presented footage of al-Sayed in June 2022, showing him in a debilitated state on a bed with medical equipment.
