Urgent Call: Hostage Forum Urges Israel to Bring Everyone Back Now as Time Runs Out

The Forum for Hostages and Missing Families has conveyed an urgent message to the Israeli government, emphasizing the diminishing time to secure the release of all hostages held by Hamas. The recent collapse of the humanitarian truce in Gaza on December 1 marked the end of a seven-day period during which 104 hostages, comprising 80 Israelis and 24 foreign nationals, along with 240 Palestinian prisoners, were released between November 24 and 30.

Daniel Aloni, who endured 49 days of captivity alongside his daughter Emilia, vividly recounted the harrowing experience of their October 7 kidnapping. Aloni stressed the urgency of freeing those still held captive, expressing concern for the lives at stake. Other released hostages echoed this sentiment during a gathering at Hostages Plaza, urging immediate action to bring back those still in Hamas custody.

Yelena Trupanob, who lost her husband Vitaly during the October 7 incident, implored gratitude for the support received but emphasized the need to persist in efforts to bring back her son Sasha and others. Hadas Kalderon, reunited with her children Erez and Sahar, emphasized the distressing nature of the captives' ordeals and called for unwavering commitment to their safe return.

Survivors, including 85-year-old Yocheved Lifshitz and Raz Ben-Ami, shared their experiences, highlighting the critical conditions in captivity. The plea for immediate action resonated among those who had endured the trauma of captivity, emphasizing the life-threatening circumstances faced by those still held by Hamas.

Major General Noam Tibon, having rescued his family members from a terrorist attack, asserted the paramount importance of securing the release of all hostages as a primary mission. The sentiment was echoed by Inbar Goldstein, aunt to Agam, Gal, and Tal Goldstein-Almog, who stressed a collective responsibility to bring everyone back without delay.

Shai Gross, one of the Entebbe hostages in 1976, drew parallels between past experiences and the current situation, underscoring the need for steadfast unity and commitment until every hostage is safely returned. The collective message conveyed a plea for immediate and decisive action to ensure the well-being of those still in captivity and to fulfill the promise of bringing them home.