More than 50 former Israeli hostages have called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to fully implement the Gaza ceasefire agreement and secure the release of those still held captive by Palestinian militants.
In a letter signed by 56 ex-hostages and shared on Instagram Friday evening, they warned that resuming the war would endanger those still in captivity.
Among the signatories was Yarden Bibas, whose wife and two young sons died while in captivity. The group urged Netanyahu to carry out the agreement “in full, in one single maneuver.”
Their appeal follows the release of a video by Hamas showing Israeli hostage Matan Angrest alive. Angrest, who turned 22 while in captivity, urged the Israeli government to advance the second phase of the ceasefire deal.
The first phase of the ceasefire, which started in January and lasted until March 1, involved the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners. While large-scale fighting has not resumed, tensions remain high.
Israel has expressed willingness to extend the initial truce until mid-April, but Hamas insists on progressing to the next phase, which could lead to a permanent ceasefire.
Of the 251 hostages taken during the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel, 58 remain in Gaza, including 34 whom the Israeli military has declared dead.
A Hamas delegation is set to meet with Egyptian officials on Saturday to discuss the ceasefire’s next phase. A senior Hamas official said the group would demand Israel comply with the agreement, initiate talks on the second phase, and open border crossings for humanitarian aid.
Hamas is seeking a broader deal that includes a permanent ceasefire, a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, an end to the blockade, reconstruction efforts, and financial support based on recent decisions at an Arab summit in Cairo. The group has also signaled willingness to negotiate a prisoner exchange, including the release of Israeli-American captives.
