The remains of hostages, Tsahi Idan, Itzik Elgarat, Ohad Yahalomi, and Shlomo Mantzur (z”l), were positively identified by authorities following their return to Israel on Wednesday. In a departure from past transfers carried out by Hamas, during which crowds gathered as masked gunmen marched through Gaza’s streets, the four bodies were handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) under cloak of darkness and without fanfare.
This most recent return, reciprocated with the release of 620 Palestinian prisoners by Israel, marks the completion of phase one of the current negotiated ceasefire agreement.
WJC President Ronald S. Lauder Supports U.S. Led Pressure on Hamas:
In a statement, WJC President Ronald S. Lauder reaffirmed the importance of pressure by United States President Donald J. Trump to bring about the return of all remaining hostages:
“The quiet return of Tsachi, Itzik, Ohad, and Shlomo (z’’l) to Israel is a heartbreaking reminder of the consequences of October 7th. But it is also proof that relentless pressure from U.S. President Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) and key Arab leaders can force Hamas to fold.
From the start, Hamas had a choice: release the hostages and spare Gaza further devastation. Instead, they waged war, bringing destruction upon their own people. Now is the time to finalize a deal to bring every hostage home and ensure that terror never returns.
This can only be achieved through a united international coalition. The world must keep up the pressure.”
Israel & International Community Mourn Loss of Kfir, Ariel, and Shiri Bibas:
Monuments, skyscrapers, and other landmarks were illuminated with orange light throughout the week as the world mourned Kfir, Ariel, and Shiri Bibas. Millions also saw images from their public funeral on Wednesday, where recently released hostage Yarden Bibas eulogized his murdered family.
What Comes Next?
Fifty-nine hostages remain in Hamas captivity. Hamas continues to withhold critical information on their condition, adding further urgency to the next phase of negotiations. Twenty-four are presumed to be alive, thirty-five are confirmed to have been killed in captivity or before.
The families of these hostages, alongside Israeli officials and global Jewish communities, are demanding immediate international action. Their message is clear: Hamas must not be allowed to stall negotiations, and no deal should allow it to retain power or influence over Gaza’s future.
Talks to extend the ceasefire and bring about the return of the remaining hostages are set to take place in Cairo this coming week.
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