Tel aviv: Families of Israeli hostages in Gaza have called for the government to approve a proposed ceasefire and prisoner swap deal with Hamas in an effort to end the ongoing conflict in the enclave. At a press conference outside the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv, Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is held in Gaza, expressed frustration with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that if he had not thwarted previous deals, the hostages could already be home.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Israeli army resumed attacks on the Gaza Strip on March 18, breaking a ceasefire agreement that was established on January 19. Zangauker emphasized the urgency of a ceasefire, citing concerns for the hostages' lives and the loss of soldiers in a war that has reportedly achieved its goals. She urged the Israeli government to implement the ceasefire proposal promptly.
Zangauker called on Prime Minister Netanyahu to take action, reminding him of a promise to bring back all hostages. She stressed the importance of sending a negotiating team to finalize the deal. Additionally, the brother of another hostage, who remained unnamed, appealed to US President Donald Trump to exert pressure for a Gaza deal, highlighting the risks of further delays.
Hamas announced that it had given a 'positive' response to mediators concerning the ceasefire and prisoner swap proposal. Israel has confirmed that it is currently evaluating Hamas's response. According to a report by Haaretz newspaper, Israel's Security Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Saturday to discuss the proposal and the future of the Gaza conflict.
Estimates from Tel Aviv suggest that there are 50 hostages in Gaza, including 20 living captives. Meanwhile, over 10,400 Palestinians are reportedly held in Israeli prisons, facing conditions of torture, starvation, and medical neglect, as per Palestinian and Israeli human rights and media reports.
Despite growing international calls for a ceasefire, Israel has continued its military actions in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of over 57,300 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, since October 2023. The International Criminal Court has previously issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the enclave.