Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Missing Brother of Former Hostage Sparks Urgent Search

1/21/2026

50 4

Summary

Story summary

Ashagra Mengistu, 33, brother of former Hamas hostage Avera Mengistu, has been missing since Sunday.
He was last seen in Ma’ale Adumim and may be in the Haifa Bay area.
Avera Mengistu was held for over a decade and released in February 2025.
Discussions on Gaza's future continue, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying Israeli forces will not withdraw until Hamas is demilitarized.

1 of 1

Story summary

Ashagra Mengistu, 33, brother of former Hamas hostage Avera Mengistu, has been missing since Sunday.
He was last seen in Ma’ale Adumim and may be in the Haifa Bay area.
Avera Mengistu was held for over a decade and released in February 2025.
Discussions on Gaza's future continue, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying Israeli forces will not withdraw until Hamas is demilitarized.