After the discovery of Youssef Ziyadne's death, forensic tests have now positively identified his son, Hamza Ziyadne, as deceased. The father and son were taken hostage by Hamas on October 7, 2023, during the attack on southern Israel. Their bodies were found in a tunnel near Rafah, Gaza, with Hamza's death confirmed on January 10.
HOSTAGE CONFIRMED DEAD
(ILTV)
The Ziyadne family, who waited in hope for 15 months, were devastated by the news. They, along with many other families, have demanded the Israeli government take immediate action to secure the release of the remaining hostages.
"The family waited for 15 months with great hope that their sons were alive," said a family friend, Dr. Mazen Abu Siam. "On the day before yesterday, when the list of hostages to be released was published, Youssef's name was on it. So the hopes were high, but the disappointment was bigger. Currently, the family is very calm but is very angry with the government and decision-makers who have stalled in forging the deal, not only for their sons but for the sake of all the hostages."
Reports indicate serious developments in ceasefire negotiations. While progress has been slow, a Hamas spokesperson claims a deal is imminent. Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi and Mossad Chief David Barnea are directly involved, signaling the gravity of these talks. U.S., Qatari, and Egyptian mediators are facilitating efforts, raising hopes of securing a ceasefire and the release of hostages.
With the clock ticking towards U.S. President-elect Trump’s inauguration, families, officials, and citizens continue to press for a resolution.
The call for the return of hostages is louder than ever. For now, all eyes are on the negotiators and the government as the fate of these innocent lives hangs in the balance.