The story of Arab girl Aisha Al-Ziyadna and her brother Bilal, who were abducted by Hamas during its surprise attack on October 7, has captured the attention of the Arab community within Palestinian territory in the Negev. Videos showing the Al-Ziyadna family's joy upon their return after spending 55 days as captives and hostages in Gaza have gone viral. Armed militants from Hamas took them to Gaza on the morning of the surprise attack on the Gaza envelope towns.
Bilal Al-Ziyadna (18 years old) and Aisha Al-Ziyadna (17 years old) were released after being kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza along with their father, Youssef Khamees Al-Ziyadna, and their older brother, Hamza Al-Ziyadna, who remain in captivity even after 55 days.
Walid Al-Hawashla, a member of the Unified Arab List, posted on his social media accounts expressing his happiness at the return of Aisha and Bilal Al-Ziyadna from captivity in Gaza to their family's embrace in the Negev. Walid Al-Hawashla has been advocating since day one for the release of all hostages, especially Aisha Al-Ziyadna, directing a message to Qatar and contacting relevant government authorities, which ultimately led to their release as part of a prisoner exchange deal between Israel and Palestinian factions.
Walid Al-Hawashla concluded his post by thanking Qatar, Egypt, and everyone who worked for the release of Aisha and Bilal, stating: "The mission is not complete, and our joy is incomplete, as Youssef and Hamza Al-Ziyadna, as well as Samer Talalka and Farhan Al-Qadi, from the Negev, remain detained in Gaza, and we will not lose hope of their safe return, and we look forward to seeing them again among their families and relatives."
Representative Youssef Al-Atauna remarked: "Amidst these difficult circumstances we are living in, a ray of hope has shone upon us with the release of Aisha Al-Ziyadna and her brother Bilal, and this news has delighted our hearts and revived hope within us. Our joy will be complete with the release of all Negev detainees and the end of this senseless war with no winners. Thank God for their safety, and we hope for the prompt release of the remaining captives."
