TEL AVIV — Israeli negotiators reach agreement with terror group Hamas on a hostage deal aimed at a ceasefire, reportedly keeping thousands of Palestinian security prisoners, many with blood on their hands. It is reported that the agreement will also include the release of the Israelis and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Tel Aviv. Main areas of Gaza Strip.
Efrat Machikawa, the niece of Israeli prisoner Gadi Moses, told Fox News Digital that she was “trying to breathe” after the developments.
“I don't know if it's really happening until I get the call to come see Gaddy at the hospital. I'm an optimistic person by nature, but we've been close to so many deals since then. I'm trying to control myself.''The last time was when my aunt Margalit was released,'' Machikawa said.
Israel-Hamas ceasefire, hostage release agreement reached
Sharon Lifshitz and Noam Lifshitz, two British-Israeli citizens based in London, are pictured with loved ones captured by Hamas at the Defense of Israel Democracy UK press conference at the Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel in London. Screened by Sagi. Her parents are among the hostages held by Hamas. Gaza. (Lucy North/PA Image via Getty Images/File)
In November 2023, 105 hostages were released from Gaza following a week-long ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Palestinian terrorists still hold 98 people hostage in Gaza, 94 of whom were abducted during the October 7, 2023 massacre. Thirty-six of the hostages were confirmed dead.
“I'm disappointed that this agreement doesn't address all the hostages. It's unacceptable that there is no second step in the way of when my son will be released from captivity,” American-Israeli said. IDF Father Ruby Chen said. Sergeant Itai Chen told Fox News Digital.
Mr. Chen visited Qatar last week to meet with U.S. negotiators.
“We will continue fighting until all the hostages come out,” he said. “As President-elect Trump takes office next week, my hope is that he will give a speech and say, 'Mr. Chen, I can get your son back.'”
From left, American hostages held in Gaza: Edan Alexander, Sagui Dekel-Cheng, Keith Siegel, Omer Neutra, Judy Weinstein Haggai, Gadi Haggai, Itai Chen (Ruby Chen) son) (Fox News)
“My focus is on the second phase of my son's release,” says Yehuda Cohen, father of Israeli Defense Force soldier Nimrod Cohen, who was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists near Kibbutz Nirim on October 7, 2023, on FOX. He told News Digital.
“He is one of the youngest and one of three living soldiers captured in uniform. I think he will be the last one to be released,” Cohen said. continued. “At that time, he must have been in captivity for about a year and a half, but we don't know what condition he is in, both physically and mentally. We are trying to get him back to normal life. A personal battle will soon begin.”
Hostage's wife Keith Siegel pleads for holiday miracle: 'We need to get them back'
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with Steve Witkoff, the US special envoy for the Middle East. (Prime Minister's Media Advisor)
The breakthrough in long-stalled negotiations came after U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem over the weekend. Local media reported that the two sides held “tense” talks, with Witkoff demanding significant concessions.
President Trump warned on Monday that there would be consequences if a deal is not reached.
“If they don't get it done, there's going to be a lot of problems out there like we've never seen before,” he said.
During the Hamas terrorist invasion 467 days ago, the Bibas family, including mother Shiri, husband Yarden, and their children, 4-year-old Ariel and 9-month-old baby Kfir, were captured by Hamas terrorists from Kibbutz Nir Oz. was taken away by.
Relatives and friends of people killed or abducted and taken to Gaza by Hamas react to the ceasefire announcement during a demonstration in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, January 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)
Jimmy Miller, Siri Vivas' cousin, said: “We hope they come back alive and we want to do our best to get treatment and readjust, but we don't know what the circumstances are. We don't know if he'll come back. We're very scared.” he told FOX News Digital.
“I hope for the best, but I don't want to be disappointed if something bad happens. I try not to think too much before it actually happens. We knew it would happen for a long time. Saturday is Kfir day. ” [second] birthday. Perhaps he will be able to celebrate it with us even in a few days,” he added.
A woman holds a poster of Israeli hostage Omer Neutra during a vigil held on November 1, 2023 in New York City for those killed in the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack in Israel. (Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images)
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The Headquarters of the Hostage and Missing Families Forum released a statement saying, “We, the families of the 98 hostages, welcome with overwhelming joy and relief the agreement to bring our loved ones home.'' I would like to express my deep gratitude.” We have been looking forward to this moment since November 2023, and now, more than 460 days after our families were detained in Hamas tunnels, we are reaching this moment. We are closer than ever to being reunited with our loved ones.
“This is an important step forward and brings us closer to the return of all hostages, with the living being rehabilitated and the dead properly buried,” the statement continued. “However, we remain deeply concerned and worried about the possibility that the agreement will not be fully implemented and that hostages will be left behind. I urgently request an arrangement.”
“We will not rest until the last hostage returns home.”
