Israeli army says it received two released captives in Gaza
The two Israeli captives were freed by Hamas in Rafah in southern Gaza minutes ago. They are currently being escorted by soldiers and intelligence officers to Israel, where they will undergo an initial medical evaluation, a military statement said.
Hamas uses release of Israeli captives to speak to world audience
Hamas continues to stage elaborate ceremonies for the release of Israeli captives in Gaza in a bid to signal they are responsible stakeholders by “showing the whole world that they were trying to keep them alive, keep them safe”, an analyst says.
Speaking to Al Jazeera before the release of captives, Professor Sami Al-Arian from Istanbul Zaim University said the handover spectacles also double as a way for the group to preempt Israeli efforts to frame the narrative.
“They’re showing the whole world the conditions and also that this is going to be done in a very responsible way,” Al-Arian said.
Discussing Trump’s plan to force Palestinians to leave Gaza, Netanyahu’s political manoeuvring and a recent Arab leaders’ plan for the reconstruction of the enclave, Al-Arian said any Arab initiative would work to Trump’s advantage.
“I think that’s probably [Trump’s] intention, to get the Arabs to move,” he said.
“Because his real intention is to make sure that Hamas will not be in power in Gaza after this is over, he doesn’t want an assumption of the war, this is going to actually divert him from his agenda, domestically and internationally.”
‘Seize this opportunity’ to bring back all captives: Israeli captive’s family
The family of released Israeli captive Tal Shoham has hailed “an unforgettable moment” when he was released from the Gaza Strip as part of the ceasefire deal, joining a chorus of other families and supporters calling for the second phase of the ceasefire to be upheld.
“At this crucial moment in our lives, our only request is to seize this window of opportunity to secure a deal that will bring fathers back to their children – children need their fathers – and return all hostages home: The living for rehabilitation and the deceased for eternal rest,” they said in a statement.
“There is a window of opportunity; we must not miss it,” they added.
The family of Avera Mengistu also celebrated his release after “enduring 10 years and five months of unimaginable suffering”.
“During this time, there have been continuous efforts to secure his return, with prayers and pleas, some silent, that remained unanswered until today.”
Hostages Square now - watching the release of Avera Mengistu and Tal Shoham pic.twitter.com/iMYd663MPo
— Bring Them Home Now (@bringhomenow) February 22, 2025
