Tel Aviv: The families of Israeli hostages in Gaza called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday to reach an immediate swap agreement to return all captives from the Palestinian enclave. The appeal comes shortly before the scheduled release of Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander, the last known living US hostage held in Gaza.
According to Anadolu Agency, the families emphasized that Edan's return should mark the beginning of a comprehensive agreement to bring home all the hostages. They stated on X, "Edan's return must be the beginning of a comprehensive agreement that brings home all the hostages." The families also highlighted the significance of determined leadership in achieving results, referencing US President Donald Trump's involvement in the upcoming release of the soldier.
Trump remarked on Sunday that the anticipated release of Edan Alexander by Hamas is a "step taken in good faith" towards the US and regional mediators. He suggested that this might be one of the "final steps" necessary to conclude Israel's ongoing war.
The families stressed that the current period represents a critical test for the Israeli government's commitment to its citizens. They urged the Israeli public to march from Hostages Square in Tel Aviv to the US Embassy in Jerusalem to increase pressure on the government to finalize a swap deal with the Palestinians.
Netanyahu's office stated earlier that Israel has not made additional promises for a ceasefire or the release of Palestinian prisoners from its jails in exchange for Alexander. The families' statement urged, "Leadership must take this historic, worthy, and necessary action and end the nightmare that our nation has been enduring for 584 days. There is only one path forward - bring them home, then rebuild."
Israel estimates that 59 captives remain in Gaza, including 21 believed to be alive. Meanwhile, over 9,900 Palestinians are held in Israeli prisons, where rights groups report widespread torture, starvation, and medical neglect, resulting in several deaths.
Nearly 52,900 Palestinians have died in Gaza due to a brutal Israeli onslaught since October 2023, with most victims being women and children. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, charging them with war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the enclave.