Avera Mengistu

IDF kills Hamas terrorist who held three hostages, Sinwar's ex-bodyguard, others in Gaza strikes

The IDF and the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) also confirmed it killed Razek Sahil Suleiman Abu Shahma, Yahya Sinwar’s bodyguard and a Hamas Nukhba terrorist who infiltrated Re’im on October 7.

An IDF biographical infographic on Hamas terrorist Ismail Mohammed Ibrahim Barim, who held three hostages in the Gaza Strip, published August 27, 2026.
Ashgara Mengistu, Avera Mengitsu's brother, is missing.

Brother of former hostage Avera Mengitsu missing, police ask public for help with search

Avera Mengistu seen ahead of his release from Gaza, February 22, 2025

IDF carried out mission to locate former hostage Avera Mengistu a day before Oct. 7 - KAN

 Former hostage Avera Mengistu about to embrace his family at Sourasky Medical Center.

Former Hamas hostage Avera Mengistu released from hospital


Hamas to allow left-wing Israel activist into Gaza, he wants to visit hostages

The idea of entering Gaza, left-wing activist Yoel Marshak said, was born in part out of his relationship with Palestinian journalist Sami Obeid.

 General view of Gaza city May 29, 2022.

Hamas releases footage of Israeli captive Hisham al-Sayed

Hamas had announced on Monday that the health of one of the captives it is holding was deteriorating.

 Screenshot from Hamas video of Hisham al-Sayed

Hamas says health of one Israeli captive deteriorated

"Cynical and criminal" Hamas "holds mentally ill civilians in violation of all international conventions and laws," said the Prime Minister’s Office.

Israelis Hadar Goldin, Oron Shaul, Avera Mengistu and Hisham Al-Sayed being held by Hamas in Gaza

Israel was close to reaching a prisoner swap, says fmr. NSC official

Hamas is holding Avera Mengistu, Hisham al-Sayed, St.-Sgt. Oron Shaul and Lt. Hadar Goldin.

Israelis Hadar Goldin, Oron Shaul, Avera Mengistu and Hisham Al-Sayed being held by Hamas in Gaza

Israel still fractured by prisoner swap debates, 10-years after Schalit deal

The release of Gilad Schalit was a testament to a long-held army principle that the IDF does not abandon its soldiers on the battlefield. However, many think that the price was too high.

GERSHON BASKIN believes his greatest accomplishment is aiding in the talks that led to the release of captured IDF soldier Gilad Schalit (center), seen here shortly after his release from Gaza in October 2011

Hamas delegation headed by Haniyeh to discuss prisoner exchange in Egypt

A Hamas delegation will reportedly discuss a possible prisoner exchange deal, among other issues, during a visit in Egypt this week.

HAMAS LEADERS Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar march to protest US President Donald Trump’s ‘Deal of the Century,’ in Gaza City in June 2019.

Hamas presents ‘roadmap’ for prisoner swap with Israel

It is widely believed that the Egyptians are leading efforts to secure a deal between Israel and Hamas.

Yahya Sinwar arrives at the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza on October 18, 2011, after being released by Israel as part of a prisoner swap for kidnapped soldier Gilad Schalit

Israel-Egypt relations, not Palestinians, at the center of Bennett-Sisi meeting - source

A diplomatic source said the bond formed between PM Naftali Bennett and Egyptian President Abdel Fatah a-Sisi is very important to Israeli-Egyptian relations.

  Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on September 13, 2021.

Avera Mengistu's mother marks his 7th birthday in captivity

"We will meet soon and next year we will celebrate you at home with everyone," said Avera Mengistu's mother on his birthday.

A protest calling for the return of Avera Mengistu

Gantz conditions Gaza development on prisoner exchange deal

The defense minister reiterated the importance of the prisoners' return, saying that Israel will not hesitate to use military force.

Benny Gantz, leader of the Blue and White political party