Uganda unveils statue of Israel PM's brother who died in Entebbe rescue mission

Uganda has unveiled a statue honoring Yonatan Netanyahu, older brother of the Israeli prime minister, who perished during the 1976 Entebbe hostage rescue mission. Army Chief Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba described the monument as a tribute to Netanyahu's bravery and selflessness. The mission, which rescued over 100 hostages, was one of the most significant events in modern history, according to Kainerugaba.

The statue is situated outside the old airport terminal where the rescue took place. During the operation, three hostages, Jean-Jacques Mimouni, Pasco Cohen, and Ida Borochovitch, also lost their lives. Additionally, Dora Bloch, who was treated in a Kampala hospital, was murdered. The hijackers, along with three accomplices, were killed, along with at least 45 Ugandan soldiers.

Kainerugaba acknowledged the sacrifices of the soldiers, stating that they fought valiantly for what they believed was a justified cause. The Paris-bound flight, which had originated from Tel Aviv on June 27, 1976, was diverted to Uganda after being hijacked by Palestinians and Germans on an Air France flight. Ugandan President Idi Amin welcomed the hijacked plane, which demanded a $5 million ransom and the release of militants.

The hostages were gradually released, but Israeli and Jewish captives remained. Israeli elite commandos launched the rescue operation at Entebbe on July 3, lasting less than 90 minutes. Netanyahu visited Entebbe a decade ago, emphasizing the importance of clarity and courage in combating terrorism. Kainerugaba noted that the rescue mission was a painful chapter in Uganda's history, but Uganda-Israel relations have since evolved into a partnership characterized by mutual trust, respect, and cooperation.