Israeli captives' families implore Trump to keep Gaza ceasefire on track

The families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza are deeply fearful, urging U.S. President Trump to prevent the collapse of the ceasefire agreement and accusing Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu of deliberately sabotaging it. Since the Gaza ceasefire agreement came into effect on January 19, Hamas has frequently released hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, but this fragile agreement is now facing a serious crisis. The families hope that the international community can exert pressure to ensure the ceasefire continues.

Yehuda Cohen's son, Nimrod, has been held in Gaza since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Cohen is currently in Washington trying to persuade officials to maintain the progress of the agreement. He told Middle East Eye: "Netanyahu is always sabotaging agreements, whether it's ordering soldiers to fire at Gazans approaching the border or on the issue of humanitarian aid." Cohen believes Netanyahu's actions are undermining the delicate balance required for the hostage release.

Trump's recent remarks have caused confusion, as he declared that the U.S. should take over the Gaza Strip and permanently expel all 2.2 million Palestinians. Meanwhile, Israel has repeatedly violated the ceasefire agreement, obstructing aid and showing little sincerity in negotiating an end to the war and the release of all those held captive. Hamas has called on Israel to abide by the terms of the agreement so that the next batch of hostages can be released as planned on Saturday. In response, Netanyahu and Trump have threatened to "raise hell" unless all living hostages are released. This creates further uncertainty and pressure on the ongoing negotiations.

On Tuesday, the families of the hostages gathered outside Netanyahu's residence in Jerusalem—located on Gaza Street—strongly demanding that Netanyahu abide by the ceasefire agreement and ensure that the war does not reignite. Many believe that Netanyahu is happy to see the ceasefire agreement collapse in order to appease far-right allies in the government and prepare for the establishment of Israeli settlements in Gaza. Protesters stated that they would not leave until all hostages were released. Their determination reflects the urgency and desperation felt by the families.

Cohen welcomed any pressure exerted on the Israeli authorities. He said: "We have been calling on the public to help protest. Any demonstrations or roadblocks are welcome." Despite the fiery rhetoric from Trump and Netanyahu and the setting of a Saturday noon deadline for the release of all those held captive, Cohen believes that the first phase of the agreement will proceed as planned. Under the agreement, Hamas will release 33 of the remaining 100 hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. So far, 21 Israelis have been released. The hope is that this initial progress can pave the way for further releases.

The second phase of the agreement will include another prisoner exchange and a permanent end to the war, with negotiators supposedly finalizing the details now. Cohen's son is scheduled to be released in the second phase. He hopes Trump's stance is a negotiating tactic. "We hope Trump is also telling Netanyahu privately that he should continue with the deal, but it feels confusing, prophecy is for fools," he said. Cohen remains cautiously optimistic, despite the surrounding uncertainties.

Anger towards Netanyahu is growing among the families of the hostages. Last Saturday, Hamas released the last three Israelis, who were gaunt and emaciated from their time in captivity in Gaza, shocking the public. The Israeli military has deliberately starved Gaza. Einav Tsengauker, whose son Matar is also a hostage, responded to this by posting an angry video on social media that quickly went viral. She said: "Netanyahu, did you see what the released people look like? Those who don't leave there now will not survive purgatory. We must fully implement the agreement." She added: "For months we have been shouting that they are starving and being abused," and accused him of "trying to thwart" negotiations for the second phase of the agreement.

Cohen stated that the families pushing for an agreement are now working even harder in that direction. But he noted that some belong to the national religious right wing, who "want to stop humanitarian aid and remain loyal to Netanyahu," and are therefore working in the opposite direction. Yifat Calderon's cousin, Ofer, returned from captivity two weeks ago. She told Middle East Eye: "I am very worried that the agreement will fall apart." Like many of the released hostages, Ofer has called for the release of all remaining hostages as soon as possible. Calderon believes this needs to be done without any further bloodshed. Since the start of the ceasefire, 92 Palestinians have been killed by Israelis in Gaza. "President Trump is right, we must release everyone now without delay," she said. "But this must be done in an agreement that includes stopping the war and withdrawing from Gaza."