JERUSALEM, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- An Israeli citizen who had been held in Lebanon for about a year was returned to Israel on Thursday, said Coordinator for the Captives and the Missing Gal Hirsch.
Saleh Abu-Hussain was handed over to Israeli authorities at the Rosh Hanikra crossing following secret talks mediated by the Red Cross, according to a statement issued on behalf of Hirsch.
After an initial questioning and medical check, Abu-Hussain was taken to a hospital for further examinations before reuniting with his family.
It was not immediately clear why the man was detained.
Israel's Kan public broadcaster reported that he was captured in southern Lebanon in July 2024, amid heavy fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. The report added that there was no prisoner exchange in his case, unlike previous instances in which Israel had secured the release of citizens held in Lebanon.
Hirsch did not elaborate on the case but said that "the circumstances of the incident are under investigation by the security forces." ■
