Families of hostages abducted in the October 7, 2023 incursion by Hamas have begun to publicly plead. At the same time, ceasefire discussions and hostage negotiations continue. One of those gone is Avinatan Or, an Audacious Jewish leader who was kidnapped from the Nova musical festival on that horrible day. As we listen to families sharing their dreams for their loved ones to safely return home again, they’re dealing with the realities of an extended war.
On U.S. Independence Day, families and friends of hostages protested outside an annex of the U.S. embassy in Washington, D.C. They called on then-President Donald Trump to get an agreement that would bring back all of the captives. Mr. Trump just announced an ambitious “final proposal” for a 60-day cease-fire. His intention isn’t clear, but his stated aim is to reduce the conflict between Israel and Hamas. This proposal releases all ten hostages held by Hamas throughout the duration of the proposed ceasefire. It guarantees the return of the bodies of 18 dead hostages.
The Current Hostage Situation
According to reports, as many as 20 hostages still alive are thought to still be kept by Hamas. One of them is Avinatan Or, whose case has received a great deal of national attention. In solidarity with his campaign, Gideon Rosenberg sported a t-shirt featuring Or’s likeness at a protest. Rosenberg, speaking for many of the affected families, said, “We just want the hostages home. To underscore the urgency of the situation, he went on to demand “one beautiful hostage deal.”
Itay Chen a 19-year-old American-Israeli soldier, is thought to have been killed after being captured during the assault. His father, Ruby Chen, has released a deeply personal appeal to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In our meetings he implores him to come back to the United States with a commitment to return all hostages. The Chen family’s profound loss represents the human cost of this unending war.
251 hostages were abducted when Hamas launched its surprise assault on Israel on the morning of October 7, and the escalation of the hostage crisis started from there. Some hostages have been in captivity longer than 600 days and families are rightfully yearning for a resolution. One of many actions, demonstrators recently constructed a symbolic Sabbath dinner table. They draped it in black and filled it with 50 empty chairs to symbolize those still trapped in Gaza.
Ceasefire Negotiations and Political Dynamics
Ceasefire discussions have quickly become the focus as international negotiators have fought to bring warring factions to a truce. An Egyptian security official noted that while there are “positive signs that an agreement is near,” several demands from Hamas remain unresolved. As a first sign of success, Hamas has announced acceptance of the mediators’ proposal. In September, they announced that they had finished their own internal consultations — and consultations with Palestinian factions and forces.
Despite these positive signs, Prime Minister Netanyahu has stuck to his red line that Hamas must be disarmed. This is still a highly debatable condition. The militant group has so far been unwilling to enter into negotiations over this one demand, making for difficult agreements in the future.
“The movement has delivered its response to the brotherly mediators, which was characterised by a positive spirit.” – Hamas (official website)
While the situation continues to develop, families are keeping their fingers crossed and sending up good vibes while nervously watching the progress of negotiations. In a particularly moving scene, Mayar Al Farr told the delegation her sorrow at having lost a brother because of the violence. She pleaded, “There needs to be a ceasefire way before I lost my brother.” Her comment highlighted the very critical need for peace.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Smart diplomacy is needed to address the awful humanitarian impacts that this war in Gaza has caused on all sides. Israel’s military response, amounting to collective punishment, has displaced over half of Gaza’s 2.2 million denizens and induced widespread hunger. With over two million residents in danger, local and international NGOs—including Mercy Corps—are having difficulties getting life-saving aid into the area.
Families want to see a cessation of hostilities. They further urge that the release of all hostages in Israel’s custody must form an integral part of any ceasefire accord. As my colleague Gideon Rosenberg recently put, he got their joint ask exactly right. He told us, “Only you can make the deal, we want one glorious deal.” That pain, that desperate hope for resolution, resonates deeply on the ground, especially among those still searching for loved ones yet unaccounted for.
