Freed captive urges Netanyahu to end Gaza war and ‘make Israel great again’
We’ve been reporting on protests in Israel calling for an end to the war on Gaza and a deal to secure the release of the remaining captives. Among the protesters was freed captive Doron Steinbrecher. She spoke at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square to thousands of people gathered there, according to The Times of Israel.
“Six months ago, I saw the sun for the first time after 471 days in the tunnels,” Steinbrecher, who was released from Hamas captivity as part of a truce deal in January, said at the weekly rally.
“Six months ago, I drew my first breath that wasn’t all fear. Now, after six months, I still can’t breathe … without fear,” she continued. “It’ll take time. And the first step is that everyone comes back.”
She then addressed Trump in English.
“We have met and spoken; I know how personally important this is to you, how deeply you are involved, and I know what you are capable of. Make it happen,” she said. “Let everyone emerge through the gates of hell so that we may rise.”
Captives’ families demand guarantees of safety amid military operation in Deir el-Balah
The families of Israeli captives held in Gaza have expressed concern and anxiety over the Israeli army’s announcement that it was expanding its ground operation in Deir el-Balah.
“Can anyone promise us that this decision will not come at the cost of losing our loved ones?” read a statement from the families.
The group added that it expects Netanyahu, the defence minister, and senior military officials to explain what is being done to protect the captives inside the Strip.
“Unfortunately, despite all the spin and false promises, many families have already learned firsthand the meaning of expanding the fighting in the shadow of negotiations and the lack of a clear war plan,” the statement said, referring to the recovery of six captives’ bodies last August.
Back then, the Israeli army said it was “highly probable” that their deaths were related to a strike near the location where they were held.
Captives’ families have repeatedly called for the government to halt the fighting and seal a deal for the return of those still held in Gaza.
