Released without Ceremony Due to “Palestinian Roots”
After approximately ten years in Hamas captivity, Israeli citizen Hisham al-Sayed returned home today (Saturday). Al-Sayed, who suffers from mental illness, voluntarily crossed into Gaza in 2015, where he was subsequently detained by the terror group.
His release was carried out separately from other hostages freed today and without any formal ceremony. He was initially received at an Israeli reception site, where he was reunited with his father, Shaaban, and his brother, Wasim. Shortly thereafter, he was transferred to a hospital for medical evaluation.
Al-Sayed was released in Gaza City and handed over to the Red Cross at a separate location from the other hostages freed today. Hamas deliberately avoided any celebratory announcement regarding his release.
A Hamas source cynically told Al Jazeera that his separate release was conducted “out of respect for his family” and because of his “Palestinian roots.” The move highlights Hamas’ selective handling of captives, using its prisoners as political pawns.
