Families of hostages held in Gaza have urged the United States and other governments with citizens among the captives to pressure Israel to strike a deal with Hamas for their return.
Following indications on Monday of progress in talks towards a truce in the seven-month war, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said that it had appealed to a number of countries to “exert your influence on the Israeli government” and push for an agreement.
“At this crucial moment, while a tangible opportunity for the release of the hostages is on the table, it is of the utmost importance that your government manifest its strong support for such an agreement,” the group said in a message sent to the ambassadors of all countries with citizens among the hostages seized by Palestinian militants on October 7.
Hostage families have been among those pressing through repeated protests for Israel to reach a deal with Hamas to bring home the captives.
Progress Towards Truce?
Tuesday’s message came after Hamas announced late on Monday that it had accepted a ceasefire plan proposed by Egyptian and Qatari mediators, saying that the ball was now in Israel’s court.
Despite months of shuttle diplomacy, mediators have so far failed to broker a new truce like the week-long ceasefire that saw 105 hostages released last November, the Israelis among them, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Previous negotiation efforts had stalled, in part because of Hamas’ demand for a lasting ceasefire and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s vows to crush its remaining fighters in Rafah.
Israel said on Monday that it would examine the truce proposal accepted by Hamas.
But at the same time, it also sent tanks into Rafah and seized control of its border crossing with Egypt, the main entry point for aid to Gaza.
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With AFP
