Gaza Herald – Israeli occupation released two detainees from Gaza on Sunday evening, both in critical condition, following their kidnapping on October 7, 2023. The men were immediately transferred to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir el-Balah for urgent medical care upon arrival in central Gaza.
The International Committee of the Red Cross facilitated the release. It accompanied the two ex-detainees until they reached the hospital, confirming its role in coordinating the transfer from Israeli detention facilities.
The released individuals were identified as Mahmoud Ayed Yaqoub Abu Matar, 30, and Abdulaziz Mohsen Ahmed Bahjat, 36. Both had been detained during the Israeli genocide in Gaza.
They were described by medical staff as being in a dire state, highlighting the severe impact of prolonged detention on their health.
Since October 7, 2023, Gaza has experienced large-scale Israeli military operations that, according to Palestinian sources, have resulted in more than 243,000 killed and wounded, the majority reported to be women and children.
Thousands remain missing, while hundreds of thousands have been displaced amid extensive destruction of homes, infrastructure, and civilian facilities. Humanitarian agencies continue to warn of severe consequences, including famine conditions that have claimed civilian lives, among them children.
