A group of more than 50 freed Israeli hostages has urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to fully implement the Gaza ceasefire agreement and ensure the release of those still held captive in the Palestinian territory.
“We, who have endured the hellish experience, know that returning to war would be life-threatening for those still left behind,” the group of 56 freed hostages stated in a letter shared on Instagram on Friday evening. “We urge you to implement the agreement in full, in one single move.”
One of the signatories was Yarden Bibas, who tragically lost his wife and two young children while held in captivity in Gaza.
This plea follows a Hamas video showing Israeli hostage Matan Angrest, who is alive. The footage, which left his family shaken, also showed Angrest calling on Israeli authorities to implement the second phase of the ceasefire agreement. Angrest, who turned 22 in November, urged the authorities to act swiftly.
The first phase of the ceasefire ended on March 1, following six weeks of relative calm, during which Israeli hostages were exchanged for Palestinian prisoners. Although hostilities have not resumed, Israel has expressed its desire to extend this phase until mid-April. However, Hamas insists on moving to the second phase, which should lead to a permanent cessation of the conflict.
Out of the 251 hostages taken by Palestinian militants during the 2023 attack on Israel, 58 remain in Gaza, with 34 confirmed dead according to the Israeli military.
Hamas Delegation to Meet Egyptian Officials
A senior Hamas delegation is scheduled to meet with Egyptian officials on Saturday to discuss the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, according to two senior Hamas officials. The talks will focus on assessing the progress of the current ceasefire and discussing the launch of the second phase.
Hamas has called for the implementation of the agreement, urging Israel to begin negotiations for the second phase and to open border crossings to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. The militant group is demanding a comprehensive agreement that ensures a permanent ceasefire, which includes a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, an end to the blockade, reconstruction of the region, and financial support, in line with decisions made at this week’s Arab summit in Cairo.
Additionally, Hamas is ready to negotiate a prisoner exchange to release all Israeli hostages, including those with American citizenship.
AFP
