Hamas release video of Israeli hostage Hisham a-Sayed
The Hamas terrorist organization released a video yesterday purporting to be of Hisham a-Sayed, a Druze Israeli civilian said to be suffering from psychiatric issues who has been held captive in Gaza for years.
A screenshot from Hamas video of Hisham a-Sayed wearing an oxygen mask
The video shows a-Sayed connected to an oxygen tank on what looks like a hospital bed.
Hamas released the video to back up claims made on Monday evening by Abu Obeida, a spokesman for Hamas’ Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades military wing, who said that the health situation of one of the Israeli prisoners held in the Gaza Strip has deteriorated.
At this time there has been no official response made by representatives of the Israeli government as to the veracity of the video. Even if it is confirmed that the video does show Hisham a-Sayed this does not mean that he is actually in a serious medical condition.
Earlier Tuesday the Israeli government responded by saying “Hamas has proven yet again that it is a cynical and criminal terrorist organization, which holds mentally ill civilians in violation of all international conventions and laws, as well as the bodies of fallen IDF soldiers.”
Israeli officials added that Hamas is “responsible for the state of the captured civilians” and it will “continue its efforts, mediated by Egypt, to bring home the captives and the missing, with responsibility and determination.”
In a statement responding to the release of the video, Hisham’s family told Israel’s Kan 11 news, “Hamas is playing on people’s emotions. It is abusing human beings. They present him as a soldier as if they managed to strike and commit some act of heroism. According to the publication, it is impossible to know if he is alive.
The Prime Minister office stated: “Hamas is holding two mentally disabled Israeli citizens who are ill and suffering, in complete contravention of international law.
Distributing a video of an ill person is abhorrent and deplorable.
The State of Israel holds Hamas responsible for the medical state of the captive civilians.
Hamas is also holding the bodies of two IDF soldiers, the late Hadar Godin and the late Oron Shaul, also in contravention of international law.
Hisham E-Said is not a soldier but a mentally disabled Israeli civilian who had previously crossed the border to the Gaza Strip several times.
It is Hamas that is delaying any chance of a deal. The actions of Hamas prove that it is a cynical and reprehensible terrorist organization.
The State of Israel will continue its constant, responsible and determined efforts to bring the captives and missing back home.”
Defence Minister Benny Gantz added: “The video published by the Hamas terrorist organization, whose credibility is in question, is intended for extortion.
In addition to holding the bodies of two fallen soldiers, Hamas is also holding hostage two innocent civilians. Hamas is paying and will continue to pay a price for its terrorist activities. The State of Israel will continue taking a variety of measures until all our boys return home.”
i hope that’s true, probably is.