Israel’s Promise to Debra Tice
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has given his word to Debra Tice, the mother of missing American journalist Austin Tice, that Israel will refrain from conducting airstrikes near a secretive prison outside Damascus where she believes her son may be held. This assurance was confirmed by NBC News after Debra Tice revealed the Israeli government’s pledge in an interview with MSNBC on Tuesday. Both a spokesperson for the Tice family and an Israeli official verified Netanyahu’s commitment to avoid the area of concern, as conveyed in a letter initially reported by Axios.
Renewed Hope in Finding Austin Tice
The removal of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad has sparked new optimism for Debra Tice in locating her son, who vanished in the country 12 years ago. She suspects that Austin Tice might be housed in Mt. Qasioun prison, situated beneath a military museum and containing unexplored hidden tunnels. According to Tice, the absence of bombing in the area would facilitate a more thorough search inside the mountain to uncover the concealed cells where Austin could be held.
Confirmation of Austin Tice’s Presence
NBC’s Richard Engel, reporting from Damascus, uncovered a cell where a fellow inmate claimed Austin had been confined as recently as 2022. Debra Tice corroborated this information, stating that she and her children identified specific markings in the cell that hinted at Austin’s presence. Despite the lack of U.S. personnel in Syria as part of the search for Tice, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller indicated that this stance could change depending on circumstances. Debra Tice has persistently urged the U.S. government to take action for over a decade.
Debra Tice’s Plea
In the face of uncertainty and bureaucratic obstacles, Debra Tice remains steadfast in her quest to bring her son home. She emphasized the importance of having dedicated individuals committed to the search effort, expressing gratitude to those who have shown unwavering support. As she continues to push for decisive action, Debra Tice’s determination serves as a poignant reminder of a mother’s enduring love and relentless pursuit of justice for her missing child.
