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Posted By Admin On March 8th, 2025

More than 50 freed 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.

“We who have experienced the inferno know that a return to war is life-threatening for those still left behind,” said a letter signed by 56 former hostages, shared on Instagram on Friday evening.

The signatories, including Yarden Bibas—whose wife and two young sons died while in captivity—urged Netanyahu to “implement the agreement in full, in one single maneuver.”

Their plea comes after Hamas released a video showing Israeli hostage Matan Angrest alive. Angrest, who turned 22 while in captivity, also called on the Israeli government to advance the second phase of the ceasefire deal.

The first phase of the ceasefire, which began in January, ended on March 1 after six weeks of calm that involved the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners. Though large-scale hostilities have not resumed, tensions remain high.

Israel has expressed willingness to extend the first phase of the truce until mid-April, while Hamas insists on transitioning to the second 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 scheduled to meet with Egyptian officials on Saturday to discuss the next phase of the ceasefire.

A senior Hamas official told reporters that the group will demand Israel “implement the agreement, begin negotiations for the second phase, and open border crossings to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.”

Hamas is seeking a comprehensive agreement that includes a permanent ceasefire, full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, an end to the blockade, reconstruction of Gaza, and financial support based on decisions from the recent Arab summit in Cairo.

The group has also expressed willingness to negotiate a prisoner exchange, including the release of Israeli-American captives.

Source: https://dailypost.ng/2025/03/08/netanyahu-urged-to-implement-gaza-deal-in-full/