Despite Hamas’s violations and the growing uncertainty and stress surrounding the hostage deal, Israel has decided not to delay the upcoming phase of the hostage release deal.
The six hostages expected to return tomorrow (Saturday) are: Eliyah Cohen, Tal Shoham, Omer Shem Tov, Omer Vankert, Hisham al-Sayed, and Avera Mengistu.
Eliyah Cohen, 27, from Tzur Hadassah
Eliyah was kidnapped during the Nova music festival in Re’im along with his partner, Ziv Avud. Under rocket fire, the two fled to a bomb shelter, later dubbed “the shelter of death.” During the attack, Eliyah was kidnapped to Gaza while Ziv managed to escape.
Since his abduction, his family has received reports of harsh captivity conditions, including injuries and abuse. Eliyah is an electronic music enthusiast, and worked in party production and real estate. Ziv later discovered Eliyah had planned to propose to her, and she has since been fighting for his release.
Omer Vankert, 23, from Gedera
Omer arrived at the Nova festival about an hour before Hamas’s attack. In the last message sent to his family, he wrote: “I’m terrified.”
Omer, the eldest sibling, was diagnosed at 14 with colitis, a condition requiring special medical care and diet. He managed a chef’s restaurant and is known for his friendly and sociable nature. His family shared that they prepared his room and medical necessities for his return.
Omer Shem Tov, 21, from Herzliya
Omer was kidnapped from the Nova festival along with his two friends, siblings Maya and Itay Regev, who were released in a previous deal after the three were held together in captivity.
Omer suffers from respiratory issues and celiac disease, which requires a gluten-free diet. As the youngest in his family, he is known for his kindness and love of music. His family expressed concern for his health during captivity, especially due to his special dietary needs.
Tal Shoham, 39, from Ma’aleh Tzvia
Tal was kidnapped along with his family while visiting his wife Adi’s parents in Kibbutz Be’eri.
During the massacre, the house they were in was set on fire. Tal was kidnapped separately from his wife and their two children, Naveh and Yahel. Adi and the children were released in a previous deal, but Tal remained in captivity. His family expressed deep concern due to the lack of information about his condition, especially after the rest of the family was freed.
“Held in Captivity for Over 10 Years”
On September 7th in 2014, two weeks after the end of Operation Protective Edge, Avera Mengistu crossed the security fence near Zikim beach and entered Gaza. Hisham al-Sayed, who suffers from mental health issues, has been held by Hamas in Gaza since 2015 after crossing the border into the Strip.
The hostage families’ headquarters welcomed the upcoming release of the six hostages but emphasized: “The news of the expected release of our loved ones is an important moment, but the struggle is not over. A comprehensive and immediate agreement must be reached to return all the hostages – the living for rehabilitation and the fallen for proper burial.”
Officials Warn: Fighting Will Resume if Necessary
A political source stated that if negotiations fail and Hamas continues to breach the agreement, Israel will resume fighting with increased intensity: “If Israel is forced to return to fighting due to Hamas’s refusal to adhere to the deal, it will do so intensively and lethally, with full backing from the Trump administration, renewed ammunition supplies, and refreshed forces.”
The limitations of equipment and aid allowed into Gaza in order to pressure Hamas was approved last week. Israeli officials clarified: “This move will not affect the implementation of the Trump Plan for a different Gaza,” which focuses on voluntary emigration and dismantling Hamas rule.
The upcoming release of the six hostages marks a significant step, but uncertainty remains. As tensions persist and the fate of the broader deal hangs in the balance, Israel stands prepared to respond decisively if the agreement collapses.
