President Reuven Rivlin responded to the news Thursday of two Israeli citizens being held captive by Hamas in Gaza. 

"This is a painful situation which I, together with the relevant officials at the President's Office, have been following closely since it began," the President stated.  

"I am in contact with the Mengistu family and I know that all the relevant authorities have been working tirelessly, and monitoring the issue closely, from the moment Avraham crossed over the fence." 

According to Rivlin, "This is a humanitarian issue, and we expect those holding him to behave accordingly and return him in good health." 

Rivlin stressed that "according to the information which has arisen, Mengistu is being held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip." 

"We will continue to make every effort in order to bring an end to this incident, as soon as possible," he concluded.