Hamas Releases Longest-Held Israeli Prisoner—How Did Hisham Al-Sayed End Up in Gaza’s Tunnels?
The Hamas movement has released Hisham Al-Sayed, who had been held in Gaza for nearly ten years, without a formal ceremony—out of respect for Palestinian Arabs living inside Israel. This has sparked questions about his identity and the reasons for his captivity.
Who is Hisham Al-Sayed?
Born in 1988, Hisham Al-Sayed is a Bedouin Israeli from the Negev Desert. His parents, Manal Al-Sayed and Shaaban Al-Sayed, are Arab Muslims and citizens of Israel. Hamas captured him in Gaza, accusing him of being an Israeli soldier. However, Human Rights Watch refuted this claim, confirming that he was a civilian exempt from military service.
Hisham had been diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2013, experiencing auditory hallucinations, tinnitus, dizziness, and acute psychosis. He was sent to study in Cyprus in 2005 and later to London in 2010. Due to his mental health condition, he frequently wandered into the West Bank, crossing the area over 15 times. The Palestinian security forces detained him at least three times.
Despite his health struggles, he volunteered for military service in Israel in 2008 but was later discharged due to his unsuitability for service.
His Captivity in Gaza
When Hisham first disappeared nearly a decade ago, his fate remained uncertain. He was initially listed as missing, with no information on his whereabouts. However, security cameras later captured him crossing into Gaza through the border fence, confirming that he had entered the Hamas-controlled territory.
For years, his name was largely forgotten, as his family did not publicly advocate for his release. However, his case resurfaced in 2022 when a video emerged showing his deteriorating health condition.
Despite multiple prisoner exchange deals, his name was never included in any swap lists, leaving him among the forgotten captives in Gaza. However, in 2025, he was finally listed in the seventh batch of prisoners exchanged during the first phase of the Gaza deal.
His family released a statement expressing joy at his return and hope for the release of all remaining hostages.
Release Without Ceremony
On February 22, 2025, Hisham Al-Sayed was released. Unlike other captives, he was handed over without a public ceremony, reportedly out of respect for Palestinian citizens inside Israel. The Israeli military confirmed receiving him just hours later.
