Amnesty International releases an “urgent action” call to its supporters urging them to pressure Hamas leaders to return two Israeli civilians being held by the terror group in Gaza.
“Avera Mangistu and Hisham al-Sayed have been missing respectively since 7 September 2014 and 20 April 2015 in the Gaza Strip,” the Amnesty statement reads. “The two Israeli civilians suffer from serious mental health conditions. Hamas authorities in the Gaza Strip have refused to disclose any information about them. Their fate and whereabouts remain unknown.”
Amnesty spoke with their families, the statement explains.
“Avera Mangistu’s family told Amnesty International that he has been suffering from a serious mental health condition since his brother’s death on 11 November 2012. Amnesty International reviewed hospital documents issued by the Israeli Ministry of Health’s mental health services stating that Avera Mangistu was admitted to psychiatric hospitals on two separate occasions in January 2013. According to Hisham al-Sayed’s medical records, he was diagnosed with schizophrenia and personality disorder, was hospitalized for these, and needs regular medication.”
According to the call to action, “Amnesty International fears that the two men are being held as hostages by Hamas’ military wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, for a potential prisoner exchange.”
It urges Amnesty’s supporters to “write immediately in Arabic, English or your own language urging Hamas authorities to: Ascertain and disclose the fate and whereabouts of Avera Mangistu and Hisham al Sayed immediately; Secure their safe release without delay; Ensure their humane treatment and access to adequate medical care pending their release.”
And it offers fax numbers for the offices of Hamas leaders Ismail Haniyeh and Mahmoud a-Zahar.
Amnesty International issues call to action over Israelis held by Hamas