Israel identifies two Tanzanians held by Hamas

The Israeli government has confirmed the identities of two Tanzanians believed to be held hostage by Hamas group since the 7 October attack across the border from Gaza.

Joshua Loitu Mollel and Clemence Felix Mtenga were in Israel as part of an agricultural internship programme, Israel’s ministry of foreign affairs said in a statement on Sunday.

“They were kidnapped by Hamas terrorists and are being held hostage in Gaza. Please join us in praying for their safe and immediate return," the statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) added.

It attached photos of the two.

Joshua's father told the BBC that Israel's ambassador to Tanzania contacted the family with the assurance that the government was following up the matter. The father had earlier spoken about the family's desperate search for Joshua.

Clemence's family is yet to speak publicly.

Tanzania's embassy in Tel Aviv did not immediately comment on the statement.

According to the embassy, Tanzania has over 350 of its citizens living in Israel - around 260 of which are students.

A yet to be identified South African national is also among 224 hostages being held by Hamas, according to the Israeli government.