More than 50 Israeli hostages, recently freed from captivity in Gaza, have written to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging him to fully implement the Gaza ceasefire deal. In their emotional plea, they emphasized that returning to war would be life-threatening for those still held captive.
The 56 freed hostages, including Yarden Bibas, who lost his wife and two young sons while in captivity, posted their letter on Instagram. They implored Netanyahu to “implement the agreement in full, in one single maneuver.”
Their appeal comes as Hamas released a video showing Israeli hostage Matan Angrest, 22, alive and calling on Israeli authorities to implement the second phase of the ceasefire deal. Angrest’s family described the footage as “shaken.”
Key Demands and Developments:
- Ceasefire Deal: The first phase of the Gaza ceasefire ended on March 1, with six weeks of relative calm. Israel wants to extend this phase until mid-April, while Hamas insists on transitioning to the second phase, aiming for a permanent end to the war.
- Hamas Demands: A high-level Hamas delegation will meet with Egyptian officials to discuss the second phase. Hamas demands include a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, an end to the blockade, reconstruction, and financial support.
- Prisoner Exchange: Hamas is willing to negotiate a prisoner exchange to release all Israeli prisoners, including those with American citizenship.
- Remaining Hostages: Of the 251 hostages taken in 2023, 58 remain in Gaza, including 34 declared dead by the Israeli military.