Families of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza, along with dozens of freed captives, have urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to fully implement the Gaza ceasefire deal. This plea comes as a crucial step to prevent a return to war and ensure the safe return of all hostages. The first phase of the ceasefire ended on March 1, following six weeks of relative calm that included exchanges of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
Einav Zangauker, the mother of Matan Zangauker, a hostage still held in Gaza, emphasized the urgency of the situation. She stated, “The war could resume in a week… Only an agreement that brings them all at once will ensure their return.” Zangauker also criticized Netanyahu, saying he has turned her son and other hostages into pawns in his political game.
Israel has expressed a desire to extend the first phase of the ceasefire until mid-April, while Hamas insists on transitioning to the second phase, which aims for a permanent end to the conflict. Relatives of hostages, including Zangauker, rallied in Tel Aviv, urging Netanyahu to implement the remaining parts of the deal. They highlighted the horrific conditions faced by returned hostages and the need to prevent further suffering.
Omri Lifshitz, whose father’s remains were returned in a hostage-prisoner swap, also addressed Netanyahu. He warned that if the war resumes, hostages will die, and their blood will be on Netanyahu’s hands. Lifshitz’s father, Oded, was taken hostage during Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack and was reportedly murdered by his captors.
A group of 56 freed captives also urged Netanyahu to fully implement the ceasefire deal. They emphasized that a return to war would be life-threatening for those still held in Gaza. The group called for the agreement to be implemented in full, in a single maneuver, to ensure the safe return of all hostages. Among those who signed the letter was Yarden Bibas, whose wife and two young sons were killed while held captive in Gaza. Currently, 58 hostages remain in Gaza, including 34 the Israeli military has confirmed are dead.
The situation remains tense, with families and freed captives pressing for a comprehensive resolution to prevent further conflict. The international community is watching closely as negotiations continue, hoping for a peaceful resolution that brings all hostages home safely.
