Freed hostages urge Netanyahu to enforce Gaza ceasefire deal

DDM News

More than 50 freed Israeli hostages have urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to fully implement the Gaza ceasefire deal.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM) their appeal, posted on social media, calls on the Israeli government to secure the release of those still held in Gaza.

The letter, signed by 56 former captives, warns that returning to war could endanger hostages still trapped in Gaza.

“We who have experienced the inferno know that renewed fighting is life-threatening for those still left behind,” they wrote.

They demanded that the Israeli government “implement the agreement in full, in one single maneuver.”

One signatory, Yarden Bibas, lost his wife and two young sons while they were held hostage in Gaza.

Their appeal came after Hamas released a video showing Israeli hostage Matan Angrest alive in Gaza.

Angrest, who turned 22 in November, called on Israeli authorities to implement the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal.

Gaza ceasefire deal: background and current status

The Gaza ceasefire deal was brokered by international mediators to reduce hostilities and facilitate hostage-prisoner exchanges.

The first phase of the ceasefire lasted six weeks and saw the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

However, this phase ended on March 1, leading to uncertainty about the fate of the remaining hostages in Gaza.

Israel wants to extend the initial phase until mid-April to secure more hostage releases.

Hamas insists on moving to the second phase, which should lead to a permanent ceasefire and Gaza’s full reconstruction.

Of the 251 hostages taken by Palestinian militants in October 2023, 58 remain in Gaza, including 34 declared dead.

Families of these hostages have increased pressure on the Israeli government to finalize the ceasefire deal.

Hamas delegation discussing ceasefire implementation with Egypt

A high-level Hamas delegation is scheduled to meet Egyptian officials to discuss the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal.

Two senior Hamas officials confirmed the meeting would focus on assessing progress and addressing obstacles in the ceasefire agreement.

“The delegation will meet with Egyptian officials to discuss developments and push for the second phase’s implementation,” a Hamas official stated.

Hamas demands a comprehensive ceasefire that guarantees a permanent end to hostilities in Gaza.

According to Hamas officials, their demands for the second phase include an Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza.

Hamas also wants Israel to end its blockade on Gaza to allow humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts.

The group insists on financial assistance based on agreements made at this week’s Arab summit in Cairo.

Hamas also expressed willingness to negotiate a prisoner exchange for all Israeli hostages, including those with American citizenship.

Challenges in enforcing the Gaza ceasefire deal

Despite international mediation, significant challenges remain in implementing the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.

Hamas is pressuring Israel to fulfill its commitments under the deal and transition to the next phase.

However, Israel has not publicly committed to this transition, citing security risks and ongoing tensions with Hamas.

The fate of the remaining hostages in Gaza is a politically sensitive issue in Israel.

Hostage families continue pushing the Israeli government to secure their loved ones’ release through diplomatic negotiations.

Many relatives have expressed frustration over slow progress and fear that renewed conflict could endanger hostages in Gaza.

Meanwhile, humanitarian conditions in Gaza are worsening due to Israel’s blockade on essential supplies.

Reconstruction efforts have also stalled, worsening living conditions for civilians in Gaza.

As part of the ceasefire talks, Hamas is demanding that Israel open border crossings to allow humanitarian aid.

What comes next for Gaza ceasefire negotiations?

The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the Gaza ceasefire agreement progresses to its second phase.

The Hamas delegation’s discussions in Egypt could influence upcoming negotiations with Israeli authorities.

Egyptian and Qatari mediators are actively working to bridge gaps between Israel and Hamas.

For freed hostages and families of those still in Gaza, time is running out.

Their letter to Netanyahu highlights growing fears that without action, hostages could remain trapped in Gaza indefinitely.

A lasting resolution is necessary to ensure hostages’ safe return and a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

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