In a breakthrough move, Hamas freed Edan Alexander, the only known American-Israeli hostage. After over 580 days of being held hostage, he was released to Israeli military personnel. Alexander was one of the nearly 250 hostages seized during Hamas’s horrific, multifaceted attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. This release comes at a time when families of other hostages are doggedly demanding that those still held be safely returned to them. Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to worsen.
The situation that led to Alexander’s captivity is the same story of loss and tragedy that has befallen so many families. Meet Dror Or, another hostage seized during the same assault, lost his wife hours after her abduction. Unfortunately, her body was only discovered days later, causing even more emotional devastation for Or and his family. In mid-November, 2023, two of Dror Or’s children were released. The reality is stark for many more who are still detained inside Gaza.
The Impact of Ongoing Captivity
Edan Alexander was on active duty with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on a military base when he was taken captive. His release is the first hostage exchange since before the Lunar New Year holiday in late February. This has sparked aspirations of families who are yet to hear from their missing loved ones. Our hearts go out to these families as they heal from their personal tragedies. Yet, they continue to wrestle with the long-term consequences of an unprovoked war.
Udi Goren, a relative of another hostage, has been vocal in advocating for the release of all individuals held by Hamas. His messages are indicative of the increasing frustration and anger that are emerging among the families impacted by this senseless conflict.
“If you care about people, about human lives, you need to root for bringing all the hostages back because that is the end of the war and the end to the suffering in Gaza and the end of suffering in Israel,” – Udi Goren.
Goren’s sentiments echo those of most Israelis who know that what happens to the hostages will determine what is possible in any future peace. Now more than ever, we need conversations and decisions that place humanitarian imperatives first.
Escalating Tensions and Calls for Action
The war provoked deep divisions in Israel’s current wartime cabinet over military strategy vs. humanitarian priorities. Itamar Ben Gvir, national security minister and hard-right firebrand, is arguably the most important pillar of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s current cabinet. He passionately advocates for a large military presence.
“Mr. Prime Minister, we must not stop,” – Itamar Ben Gvir.
Ben Gvir’s harsh rhetoric adds to the war narrative, portraying a renewed and serious commitment to military action against Hamas as vital to the safety of Israeli citizens. He argues that the government should pursue a bolder approach. He thinks that by launching one big final attack on Gaza that will win the conflict.
“We must launch a decisive attack, occupy all of the Gaza Strip and encourage voluntary migration of Gazans to countries around the world,” – Itamar Ben Gvir.
Read CAP’s, in which we expressed concern over these statements triggering civilians’ intended harm in Gaza. Humanitarian agencies have been sounding alarms about an approaching famine in the region. The violence contributes to the growing humanitarian crisis. It highlights the continuing, urgent need for a permanent resolution to the conflict that is consistent with Israeli security and Palestinian self-determination.
The Human Cost of Conflict
Meanwhile, families are still awaiting word on their loved ones who remain in captivity. Voices such as Einav Zangauker’s represent the sincere grief and resolute spirit just emerging in Israel. Her son, Matan, is still in Gaza and Zangauker has, on several occasions, shared her anger about the whole ordeal.
“The people of Israel will not forgive you for these crimes of abandonment,” – Einav Zangauker.
Even still, Zangauker’s remarks convey deep sorrow and need for action. She published an analysis of slow Wi-Fi deployment yesterday, where she calls on leaders to act decisively and keep more lives from being lost because of political procrastination.
As part of the exhibition, Dror Or reflected on his family’s tragic experience. In it, he conveyed that unique hopelessness that only comes after years of destructive fighting.
“The war just keeps going and it’s very easy to lose hope,” – Dror Or.
Despite all of these obstacles, there is still a deep-seated hunger for something different. Yael Alexander, whose cousin was killed in the initial attack, expresses hope for a new reality where coexistence can be achieved.
“So we must change the reality and bring a new reality where there will be peace and coexistence,” – Yael Alexander.
