The Portuguese government welcomed the release of three Israeli hostages by Hamas. It also called for respect for humanitarian law. The release happened as part of ongoing negotiations. This event highlights the complex situation in the Middle East.
Read More About: Portugal Foreign Minister MFA To Visit Israel And West Bank Early Next Week
Portuguese Government On Release Of Israeli Hostages
On Saturday, the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its relief. It also supported the hostages freedom. The ministry posted a statement on its X social media account.
It said:
The Portuguese Government welcomes the release of three more Israeli hostages, especially the two who have links to Portugal. Compliance with the ceasefire – the only basis for peace – requires strict respect for humanitarian law and the rights of the released hostages
The three men appeared weak after their long captivity. They were handed over to members of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Their release was captured in the footage. It showed them surrounded by armed Hamas fighters before their release.
Ohad Ben Ami who is one of the freed hostages urged Israel to continue talks. He spoke in a video broadcast by Al Jazeera.
He said:
I urge the Israeli government to continue on the path of negotiations. I urge it to comply with the second phase of the agreement.
Eli Sharabi looked very different from previous photos. He asked Israeli leaders to complete the deal.
He said:
Implement the agreement until the third phase and put an end to the war in the Gaza Strip.
Hostages Links To Portugal
Two of the released hostages Eli Sharabi and Or Levy have ties to Portugal. They are connected through their Sephardic Jewish ancestry. The Jewish Community of Porto confirmed their connection.
Sharabi applied for Portuguese nationality. The community certified him as a Sephardic descendant. Or Levy also received certification from the same group.
After being freed, Levy thanked Hamas armed wing. He said they gave him food and water during his 16 months of captivity. He also called for continued peace talks.
The GAZA Ceasefire And Reactions
The ceasefire began on January 19. It ended 15 months of heavy fighting in the Gaza Strip. But the situation remains fragile. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently in United States. He released a statement after the hostage release.
His office said:
The shocking images we witnessed this Saturday will not go unanswered.
Israel is working to bring more hostages home. However, it is unclear how negotiations will proceed. The ceasefire and prisoner exchanges remain the focus of diplomatic efforts.
Portugal Diplomatic Mission To The Middle East
Portugal Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel will visit Israel and the West Bank next week. His trip will last two days. He will meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. He will also meet Mohammad Mustafa who is the Palestinian Authority Prime Minister and Foreign Minister.
Rangel will also meet with hostage families. These families lost loved ones in the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. Additionally, he will speak with Daniel Seidemann. Seidemann is the director of Terrestrial Jerusalem which an NGO focused on the city’s political issues.
Portugal Position On The Conflict
Last Tuesday, Paulo Rangel explained Portugal’s stance. He said Portugal stands with Israel but also criticizes its actions in Gaza.
Rangel said:
We stand in solidarity with Israel regarding the Hamas attacks. However, we also express discontent with the disproportionate nature of Israel’s military response in Gaza.
He also addressed the Palestinian Authority. He said:
It is essential for the Palestinian Authority to seize this opportunity. They must use the resources provided by the international community. They should empower themselves and take a stance for peace
Challenges And Uncertain Future
The hostage release is a positive step. But peace remains difficult. Hamas and Israel do not trust each other. Talks could collapse at any time. International mediators are working to extend the ceasefire. But there is no guarantee it will last.
For Portugal, diplomacy is key. It wants to support peace efforts. It also wants to ensure humanitarian law is followed. Paulo Rangel’s visit will highlight Portugal’s commitment to a peaceful resolution.
The next few weeks will be critical. They will show whether peace is possible or if conflict will return. The world watches closely and hoping for diplomacy to succeed.
