Following the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran, families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza are urging the government to broaden the truce to include the Gaza Strip. Their call aims to secure the release of dozens still in captivity and bring an end to the prolonged war.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum issued a powerful statement on Tuesday, emphasizing the urgency of diplomatic negotiations. “Those who can achieve a ceasefire with Iran can also end the war in Gaza,” the forum said, calling the current ceasefire a “critical window of opportunity” that must not be wasted.
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The emotional burden on Israeli society remains high. “After 12 days and nights during which the people of Israel could not sleep because of Iran, we can finally go back to not sleeping because of the hostages,” the forum stated. Government figures indicate that around 50 hostages are still held in Gaza, with at least 20 believed to be alive.
Political leaders have joined the families’ call. Opposition head Yair Lapid urged action via social media, writing, “And now Gaza. This is the moment to close that front as well.” Similarly, Democrats Party leader Yair Golan called for a comprehensive resolution that would include ending the war and addressing internal divisions in Israel.
