The two hostages abducted by Bedouins in Sinai on Friday 11 Nissan 5773 are being held as negotiating pawns to pressure Egyptian authorities to release a number of prisoners. One of the hostages is an Israeli Arab from Nazareth, Amir Omer Hassan, 23. A Norwegian national is also being held by the armed Bedouins.

Israel Channel 2 TV News reports on Sunday morning 13 Nissan that Egyptian authorities are involved in efforts to obtain the release of the hostages.

Israel Counter Terrorism Bureau officials announced on Sunday that in light of the kidnapping and other intelligence information, Israelis are urged in the strongest terms not to visit Sinai during Pesach.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)