Credit: Israel em Portugal
A milestone in the Middle East conflict is about to be realized. Israel and Hamas have reached a historic agreement, mediated by U.S. President Donald Trump, that provides for the release of all hostages held in the Gaza Strip and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from the territory. The official signing is expected to take place later today in Egypt, with the involvement of the United States, Qatar, Egypt and Turkey.
Of the 48 people still in captivity in Gaza, it is believed that only about 20 remain alive. Among the hostages are six Portuguese citizens: three have survived captivity, while three others have been confirmed dead.
Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro responded to the announcement with an official statement:
“I welcome the release of the hostages that we have all been awaiting for more than two years, as well as the signing of the agreement that makes it possible. I congratulate President Donald Trump on this success and on his unwavering commitment to achieving peace in the Middle East. With the ceasefire, hope is reborn.”
The Embassy of Israel in Portugal also issued a statement, stressing that the agreement “will result in the release of all hostages, including six Portuguese nationals,” and that it fulfills Israel’s objectives since the beginning of the war: “the return of all hostages, a future government in Gaza without Hamas, and the disarmament of the terrorist organization.”
The announcement was made during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, which the embassy described as “the time of our joy,” underscoring the expectation that the release will soon become a reality.
THE PORTUGUESE HOSTAGES
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Segev Halfon (27) – descendant of a Sephardic family from Morocco and Tunisia.
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Ariel Cunio (28) and David Cunio (35) – brothers, from a Sephardic family of Turkish origin.
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Yossi Sharabi (53) – descendant of a Moroccan family, abducted from his home and killed in captivity; his brother, Eli Sharabi, was released alive a few months ago.
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Ran Gvili (26) – from a Sephardic Egyptian family, killed during the October 7 massacre, with his body taken to Gaza.
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Dror Or Ermoza (48) – descendant of an Ottoman Sephardic family, killed along with his wife; his body was taken to Gaza. His children and a nephew were also taken hostage but were freed in a previous agreement.
