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Hisham Al-Sayed was handed over by the Red Cross to the IDF after his release from Hamas captivity on Saturday and returned to Israel after nearly a decade in Gaza. Unlike other hostages, Hamas released him without a public ceremony claiming it was "out of respect for his Palestinian roots" and his family.
Earlier, Israeli hostages Eliya Cohen, Omer Shem Tov and Omer Wenkert were paraded onto a stage in Nuseirat, central Gaza Strip, alive and walking on their feet, as Hamas staged a ceremony for their release. The three appeared pale and had lost considerable weight during their 505 days in captivity.
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Israeli hostages Eliya Cohen, Omer Shem Tov and Omer Wenkert paraded onto a stage in Nuseirat, central Gaza Strip, ahead of their release
(Photo: Reuters)
Dressed in military uniforms, they were handed over to the Red Cross which was set to transfer them to the IDF for their return home after 16 months in Hamas captivity since their abduction from the Nova music festival during the October 7 massacre. On stage, Omer Shem Tov was seen planting kisses on the foreheads of two of his captors.
Their families, waiting anxiously to see their loved ones alive, broke out in cheers.
Earlier, hostages Avera Mengistu and Tal Shoham were also released from captivity in a separate event in Rafah in southern Gaza where they were briefly displayed before being handed over to the Red Cross. Shortly after, the IDF confirmed their transfer to Israeli forces, and the two were brought to the Re’im military base near the Gaza border for initial medical evaluations before reuniting with their families. The two were then airlifted to a hospital for further medical care.
Tal Shoham
Shoham, who turned 40 while in captivity, was abducted alongside his wife, two children, mother-in-law and other relatives from Kibbutz Be’eri. While his family members were released in November 2023 as part of a hostage release deal, Shoham remained in Hamas captivity until now.
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Tal Shoham with his family who had been released from Hamas captivity in 2023
(Photo: Courtesy)
"We can finally breathe," said Shoham’s cousin upon seeing his transfer to IDF custody. "Tal is coming home, and his wife and children will finally embrace him again."
"The family is not complete until Tal returns," wrote his relative, Aviv Baron.
Israeli officials continue to pressure Hamas for the release of remaining hostages, including fathers and male captives left behind.
"This is a complex moment of mixed emotions," said a close friend of Tal Shoham. "We are overjoyed but must remember that many hostages are still in Gaza. They all deserve to come home."
Avera Mengistu
Mengistu, an Ethiopian-Israeli, has been held by Hamas since 2014 after crossing into Gaza voluntarily near Kibbutz Zikim. His family has fought for his release for years, accusing the Israeli government of neglecting his case due to his mental illness and Ethiopian background.
"People don’t know that Avera is a shy and introverted man, loved by his friends," his relative, Gil Elias, said. "He would do anything for them. People also don’t realize how deeply his brother’s death affected him, worsening his emotional struggles and leading to his entry into Gaza. He has been struggling with mental illness."
Eliya Cohen
Eliya Cohen was abducted from the Nova music festival, where he was with his partner, Ziv, her nephew Amit Ben-Avida, and his partner Karin Schwartzman, both of whom were killed in the Hamas-led massacre on October 7. The group had sought shelter in what later became known as "the shelter of death." After his abduction, Ziv learned that Eliya had planned to propose and had already purchased an engagement ring.
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His mother, Sigi, recently expressed shock at the horrific conditions in which her son and fellow hostage Alon Ohel were held, as described by freed captives. According to their accounts, Eliya and Alon were bound in chains and endured brutal conditions.
Omer Wenkert
Omer Wenkert and his friends arrived at the Nova music festival just an hour before the massacre began. "I'm scared to death," he told his family in his final message before being taken hostage. His mother, Niva, said Omer and his friend, Kim Damti—who was killed in the attack—had taken shelter in a building that was hit by at least eight grenades, killing many inside. Omer was among the few who survived.
The oldest of three siblings, Omer was diagnosed with colitis at 14 and was in grave danger during his captivity. He had a deep passion for food, aspired to be a restaurant critic, and worked hard to support himself from a young age.
Omer Shem Tov
Omer Shem Tov, 22, was also kidnapped from the Nova festival. He was held in captivity alongside Itay and Maya Regev, who were freed in November 2023.
"I hope he knows we’ve been turning the world on its head trying to get him out and that he is not alone," said his father, Malachi. "I wish I could send him a message to keep him strong. We tried to get medications to him, and I hope they were delivered. If he received them, I imagine he would realize how much effort is being made for his release."
Hisham al-Sayed
Hisham al-Sayed has been in Hamas captivity since 2015 after crossing into Gaza on his own. His family said he had previously entered Gaza multiple times before being captured. In 2022, Hamas released a video showing him lying in bed with an oxygen mask.
His mother emphasized that, according to Islamic teachings, individuals with mental illnesses are excused from legal and religious judgments. "Even God does not judge them," she said.
First published: 08:51, 02.22.25