The identities of 13 recently released Israeli hostages, who were held captive by Hamas, have finally been revealed.
The hostages, who belonged to the same family, were held for over five years in the Gaza Strip. Their captivity was the longest single case of Israelis held in captivity since the 1982 Lebanon War.
After years of negotiations between Israel and Hamas, a deal was finally brokered and the hostages were released. As part of the deal, Israel agreed to release Hamas prisoners in exchange for the hostages.
The hostages were identified by Israel’s Channel 13 news as follows:
1. Yehoshua Sofer, 48
2. Malka Sofer, 44
3. Yehudit Sofer, 16
4. Yifat Sofer, 19
5. Yitzchak Sofer, 17
6. Shmuel Sofer, 14
7. Elhanan Sofer, 11
8. Ahuva Sofer, 9
9. Menachem Sofer, 7
10. Ephraim Sofer, 5
11. Mosheh Sofer, 3
12. Tiamit Sofer, 1
13. Elana Sofer, newborn
The hostages were greeted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials in Tel Aviv Tuesday night. Netanyahu praised the Israeli government for securing the release of the hostages.
“I am proud to announce that after five years, the Sofer family is returning to our homeland. 13 persons, including 11 children, are in our hands safe and sound,” Netanyahu said. “We will never abandon our people, our sons and daughters – especially the youngest among them.”
The Sofer family has been living in the Gaza Strip for many years and had been held captive since 2014. The hostages were held in three different locations and were reportedly treated well by their captors. Though details of the negotiation and the exchange are yet unknown, the release of the Sofer family is undoubtedly a cause for celebration.
The release of the hostages is a significant development for peace and stability in the region. Israel and Hamas have been in a state of conflict for years and the recent hostage situation has only served to worsen the existing tension. It is hoped that the resolution of this case will pave the way for further negotiations and eventually lead to a lasting peace between the two sides.