United States President Donald J. Trump has set a deadline of noon on Saturday for Hamas to release all remaining Israeli hostages, following public indications that the terror group plans to halt this weekend’s scheduled transfer. The conflicting declarations come amid international outrage over the condition of Eli Sharabi, Or Levy, and Ohad Ben Ami, who were returned to Israel this past Saturday. The three men, handed over to the Red Cross at gunpoint, appeared emaciated and visibly broken by their ordeal.
Reacting to the developments, WJC President Ronald S. Lauder posted on X:
“Hamas’ refusal to move forward with the hostage release deal is yet another demonstration of their true nature—one defined by cruelty, deceit, and utter disregard for human life. The state of the three hostages recently freed—emaciated, broken, and forever scarred—shows the inhumane conditions in which all hostages are being held.
Every man, woman, and child in their grip must be returned home immediately. This deal must continue, not only for their sake but for any hope of a resolution. The international community must not waver in demanding that Hamas release every hostage and stop using human lives as bargaining chips.”
Munich Security Conference to Take Place Amid Uncertainty:
Ahead of the Munich Security Conference, the World Jewish Congress and its regional affiliate, the European Jewish Congress, issued a statement calling for the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas in Gaza:
“We urge leaders and decision-makers—across governments, industry and civil society—to demand the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages still held in Gaza. The world cannot continue to cede control to the ruthless calculations of a terrorist group that thrives on human suffering. The past weeks have laid bare, once again, Hamas’ true nature: brutal, deceptive and wholly unfit to be considered an honest broker. The devastation Hamas has inflicted—not only on Israeli civilians but on the Palestinian people themselves through its decision to launch the October 7th massacre—proves it has no right to govern, no legitimacy and no place in any future for the region. It is long past time for the international community to hold Hamas fully accountable and work toward removing them from power.”
Within the confines of the conference, WJC and the American Jewish Committee are set to host a panel discussion on the global threat posed by Iran, as well as a Shabbat dinner for the diplomats and other leaders present in Munich.
What We Know About the Hostages:
Over the past several days, released hostages have been delivering updates to the families of those still in Hamas captivity on the fates of their loved ones. Shlomo Mansour, a survivor of the Farhud and the oldest living hostage, was declared deceased by the Israel Defense Forces. Others, including Alon Ohel, Eliya Cohen, Gali and Ziv Berman, and more, are said to be alive and in brutal conditions while suffering from untreated shrapnel wounds. There have also been reports of torture.
Matan Angrest (22) – Matan, a soldier who was kidnapped from his tank unit in the Nahal Oz army base on October 7, is said to have undergone severe interrogations while in captivity. In a Hamas propaganda video privately released in September, Matan was shown to have extensive burn injuries.
Gali and Ziv Berman (27) – The twin brothers, who were kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza on October 7, were indicated to be alive by a former hostage. No further information was provided to the public.
Eliya Cohen (27) – Eliya was confirmed to be alive this week by released hostages Or Levy and Eli Sharabi, the three of whom were held with Alon Ohel during their time in captivity. Reports also indicate that Eliya has a gunshot wound in his foot and wears a chain around his leg.
Yosef Haim-Ohana (24) – Yosef was kidnapped from the Nova Music Festival while he and a friend were providing aid to injured partygoers on October 7. His family announced that they have ‘clear indications’ that Yosef is alive, although they did not provide any more information.
Shlomo Mansour (86) – Shlomo, a survivor of the Farhud pogrom in 1941, was taken into Gaza from Kibbutz Kiffusim. He was declared deceased by the Israel Defense Forces this week, leaving behind his wife of 60 years, Mazal, who managed to escape from Hamas terrorists on October 7.
Omri Miran (47) – An anonymous former hostage confirmed this week that Omri was alive as of July 2024, although the question of his status remains unanswered. Omri was taken captive from Kibbutz Nahal Oz, while his wife, Lishay, was able to escape with their two daughters, Roni and Alma.
Alon Ohel (24) – Alon, who recently spent his second birthday in captivity, was abducted from the Nova Music Festival site on October 7. Alon is reported to have grenade shrapnel in his eye, shoulder, and arm, with no treatment provided. He is also reported to be currently held in chains, a condition that his former cellmates, Eli Sharabi, Or Levy, and Ohad Ben Ami, faced as well.
