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SvennoJ 1 day ago
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Captives’ families call on European Parliament to cancel invitation to Israeli minister

Dozens of relatives of Israeli captives and victims of the October 7 attack by Hamas have urged the European Parliament (EP) to rescind an invitation to Amichai Chikli, the Israeli diaspora minister, to speak at a panel on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, according to the Israeli media.

A letter sent to the two members of the EU institution hosting the conference referred to the minister’s problematic record due to his opposition to a deal over the captives.

It also cited his backing for far-right European politicians, the reports on national media said.

“Minister Chikli’s record, especially his recent actions within the government, renders him an inappropriate representative for such an important occasion, dedicated to remembering the atrocities of the Holocaust and advancing the values of human dignity and justice,” the letter was quoted as saying.


Israeli captives’ relatives call for implementation of Gaza ceasefire deal

The family members of Israeli captives held in Gaza have urged the Israeli government to act immediately to ensure the return of all captives, according to the Israeli media.

In a statement made at the so-called Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, Ella Ben Ami, whose father has been in Hamas captivity since the October 7, 2023 attack, said the families will fight until “the last captive” is released.

She said: “When I hear my prime minister, and the ministers under him, I am filled with anxiety that this will not be everyone’s deal.”

The statement came ahead of the second phase of the captive release deal. Three Israelis were freed in the first phase earlier in the month.


Negotiations to free all Israeli captives ongoing: Report

Gal Hirsch, the Israeli military commander tasked with coordinating negotiations for missing and captive Israelis, has held several meetings with groups of captives’ relatives to brief them on the status of exchange talks, according to Israeli media reports.

Among those represented were family members of captives not slated for release in the first six-week stage of the Gaza ceasefire deal, reported Israel’s Ynet News site.

Hirsch provided an update on negotiations for the second stage of the deal, assuring families that efforts remain ongoing to secure the release of all captives – both living and deceased, reported Ynet, citing a statement from the prime minister’s office.



Hamas to release four female Israeli soldiers tomorrow

Hamas has published the names of four Israeli female soldiers who are set to be exchanged tomorrow for 90 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel as part of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.

Soldiers Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Agam Berger, Danielle Gilboa and Naama Levy are set to be released on Saturday, according to a short statement by Abu Obeida, the spokesperson for the armed wing of Hamas.

A list of the Palestinian prisoners to be released is expected to be announced by Israeli authorities soon.