Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon said Thursday that Israel holds Gaza’s ruling Hamas terror organization responsible for the fate of both missing Israelis who are believed to be in the enclave.
Ya’alon spoke with reporters at Ben Gurion International Airport about the issue upon his return from a working visit to Italy.
“Two Israeli civilians are in Gaza in the hands of Hamas,” the defense minister said. “The state of Israel is investing much effort in returning them both to their families.
“We view Hamas as being responsible for their fate and we demand their return.”
Ya’alon told media that he has met with the family of 28-year-old Ethiopian immigrant Avraham Mengisto, and has kept them updated on steps that are being taken to return him to Israel. He also has been maintaining contact and updating the family of the second Israeli civilian being held in Gaza, a Negev Bedouin from the southern town of Hura, on steps being taken to free him as well.
“I met with Avraham Mengisto’s family and updated them regarding our operations and encouraged them,” Ya’alon said. “We’re also in touch with the family of the other Israeli being held in Gaza, and we’re updating them on developments as well.”
Information about the second civilian is censored at the present time.