Families Press for Comprehensive Deal to Free Remaining Hostages
In a courageous operation conducted on June 8, 2024, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) successfully rescued four hostages, Noa Argamani, Shlomi Ziv, Almog Meir Zhan, and Andrey Kozlov, from Gaza. Despite this victory, families of other abductees are urgently appealing to the Israeli government to expedite a comprehensive deal to ensure the safe return of their loved ones.
Yehuda Cohen, father of Nimrod Cohen, a 19-year-old soldier abducted in Rehovot, expressed mixed emotions. While overjoyed at the release, he fears that political maneuvers by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might hinder a broader deal for all hostages. Cohen emphasized the necessity of promoting such a deal during a ceasefire, arguing that it is the only feasible way to secure their return.
Shai Venkert, whose 22-year-old son Omar was kidnapped in Gaza, echoed this sentiment. While celebrating the successful rescue, Venkert stressed that a military approach alone could not free the remaining 120 abductees. The rescue, he argued, should be leveraged to increase pressure on the enemy to agree to a deal.
During a press conference held outside the Kriya base in Tel Aviv, several family representatives conveyed their gratitude and relief over the recent successful operation. However, they unanimously called for a broader agreement. Shahar Mor and Einav Tsengauker, relatives of other abductees, highlighted the critical need for unity and urged the government to act swiftly to capitalize on the momentum generated by the rescue.
Ila Metzger, whose father-in-law Yoram Metzger was murdered in captivity, criticized the government’s response and stressed the need to take immediate action to prevent further tragedies. She, along with other family members like Merav Sabirski, pointed out that only a comprehensive deal could ensure the safe return of all captives. Emphasizing the urgency, they urged the Israeli government to commit to ending the conflict to facilitate a deal.
Calls for such a deal mirrored similar sentiments shared by the families during another press conference shortly after Netanyahu praised the security forces for their efforts in Nuseirat camp. Highlighting the miraculous nature of the recent operation, relatives insisted that this should be a catalyst for reaching an agreement with Hamas. They maintained that operational successes cannot replace the need for a diplomatic resolution.
- Families involved in the negotiations emphasize the psychological and physical toll on the detainees. Many captives suffer from chronic conditions, making their speedy release even more critical. Relatives have pointed out that prolonged detention exacerbates these illnesses, pleading for the government to prioritize vulnerable individuals in any exchange deal.
- In addition to advocating for a comprehensive deal, the families of the detainees have engaged in various public awareness campaigns. They have organized vigils, social media campaigns, and coordinated efforts with humanitarian organizations, appealing for international support to pressure the Israeli government and Hamas into finalizing an agreement.
