Hisham al-Sayed’s parents: We’re glad to see his face, but worried about his wellbeing

Hisham al-Sayed’s parents have released statements to the press following the release of footage by Hamas showing their captive son lying in bed and hooked up to oxygen.

“It’s the first time that I’ve seen him in seven years,” says Sha’aban al-Sayed.

He says that his son looks okay but was not sure if the oxygen is a psychological warfare tactic by Hamas.

“I’m first of all happy to see him… but there are confused emotions,” he says.

Hisham’s mother Manal says, “I was relieved to see him, and I cried when I saw the video, but I also saw that he is not well.”

“I don’t know if he is getting the treatment he needs. I think about him day and night, and I just want my son to come back to me.”

Hisham suffers from mental illness along with Avera Mengistu, who also crossed into Gaza on his own volition and has since been held by Hamas.

Mengistu’s mother Agarnesh tells Channel 12 that the government has failed to update her on its efforts to bring her son back.

“Where’s my son? Why won’t they say where he is?” she asks while holding back tears.