The latest deal between Israel and Hamas is expected to release 33 hostages. Austrian-Israeli dual national Tal Shoham is on this list, but is unlikely to return to Israel until mid-February at the earliest.
The 39-year-old was kidnapped by Hamas to Gaza on October 7, 2023, along with his wife and two small children. Adi, four-year-old daughter Yahel and nine-year-old son Naveh were released after just a few months. Tal Shoham was born in Israel; his grandmother was a Viennese woman who was expelled by the Nazis shortly after the annexation. The descendants of Holocaust victims have been entitled to an Austrian passport for several years.
It will probably take a few more weeks before the father of the family is released, the Kleine Zeitung analyzed this weekend. Women and children are released first, followed by the elderly and injured. As reported, three young women were released on Sunday as a first step.
Schallenberg: “Long overdue”
“We are very happy with the release of the first three hostages and the #ceasefire!” wrote Austrian interim Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP) on Platform X in English. “This is long overdue and can only be the first step towards the full implementation of the agreement that will lead to the release of all hostages, including Tal Shoham. Much more aid must reach the people of #Gaza!”
Here you can see Alexander Schallenberg’s tweet.
94 people who were kidnapped are now being held in the Gaza Strip. According to Hamas, the next transfer will take place this Saturday. In return, 1,904 Palestinian prisoners were released from Israeli prisons. The first ninety have already been released from the Ofer military prison in the West Bank and a detention center in Jerusalem. They were imprisoned for minor crimes such as throwing stones or illegally crossing borders, but also for serious crimes such as murder.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
