By Tosin Aribisala
The Tanzanian government has confirmed the death of Joshua Mollel, initially reported as a hostage of Hamas in Israel.
Mollel, an agricultural intern, was caught in an attack on a kibbutz by Hamas gunmen on October 7th.
Foreign Minister January Makamba revealed that Mollel was killed immediately after being taken hostage during the assault, which also claimed the life of fellow student Clemence Felix Mtenga.
The bereaved father, Loitu Mollel, has been informed of his son’s tragic fate.
Plans are underway to send Mr. Mollel, a family member, and a government official to Israel for more information, as stated by Mr. Makamba on X (formerly Twitter).
The Mollel family is yet to issue a statement on the heartbreaking incident.
Meanwhile, Kibbutz Nahal Oz authorities, in a Facebook post, disclosed that Joshua Mollel’s body is being held by Hamas.
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The two Tanzanian students had arrived in Israel just a month before the October 7th attack. Initially, it was reported that they were among the 240 people held hostage by the country.
Tanzanian officials estimate that approximately 350 Tanzanians reside in Israel, predominantly students pursuing agricultural studies.
The October 7th assault by fighters claimed the lives of dozens of Nahal Oz residents among the 1,200 people killed.
Hamas reports a total of 18,600 casualties in the ongoing Israeli operation in Gaza since then.
(BBC)