Israeli media reported on Thursday that two of the hostages to be released in the first phase of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas have been held in the Gaza Strip for many years.
According to the report, an Israeli-Arab man, who is said to be mentally disabled, has been held by the Islamist group since 2015. Another Israeli citizen, who is said to have mental health issues, has been captive in the Gaza Strip since 2014, it said.
The report said the men were not abducted from Israel like the hostages taken during the Hamas-led massacre on October 7, but crossed the border to the coastal strip independently.
Hamas released images of the Israeli-Arab man in a bed with an oxygen mask in 2022 and a video of the other man in 2023, sparking outrage in Israel.
Efforts to secure their release have been ongoing for years without success.
The ceasefire agreement announced by Qatar on Wednesday states that 33 of the 98 remaining hostages in Hamas captivity are to be released in the first phase within six weeks.
In addition to the two long-term hostages, the first group is comprised of women, including female soldiers, the elderly and sick, as well as two children.
The deal is still being finalized, and Israel on Thursday delayed approval of the agreement, accusing Hamas of demanding last-minute concessions.
