In light of reports on the resumption of negotiations for the release of hostages, President Isaac Herzog met this morning (Sunday) with the family of captive Idan Alexander, who appeared in a video released by Hamas with the family’s approval and encouragement.
“I reiterate my call: now, after Lebanon, it is time to strike a deal and bring the hostages home,” Herzog told Idan’s mother, Yael Alexander. “We are negotiating with a cruel and bitter enemy whose purpose in releasing this video was to discourage us. On the contrary, I believe this video has given us great strength.”
“My call to the world, to Israel’s leadership, and to all mediators is clear: the time is now. We want Idan home,” Herzog added. “We want all of them home as quickly as possible. We cry out for this daily – now is the time to make it happen. This video is a kind of message from Idan. It is painful and horrifying, but it also gives hope. There are behind-the-scenes negotiations, and they are possible. This is an opportunity to bring about a unique breakthrough and lead to a hostage deal.”
“We Released the Video So Everyone Can See – Idan Is Alive”
Idan’s mother told the President and his wife, Michal Herzog: “I had a sleepless night. Idan, his voice, and the video played endlessly in my mind. In the video, you can see that Idan is going through hell. He looks desperate and sad, but it gave me immense strength – Idan empowered us with his call to us. We released this video so that everyone can see – Idan is alive, and many other captives are alive too. It’s time to act and release them.”
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar echoed Herzog’s sentiments at the Israel Today Security Conference, stating cautiously, “We might witness a greater degree of flexibility. We’ll know more in the coming days. The Israeli government has a desire to move forward with a deal, and I hope it can progress.” Sa’ar emphasized, “The fundamental stance is that Hamas cannot continue to govern Gaza, but we are committed to advancing the issue of the hostages.”
It’s worth noting that yesterday (Saturday), a senior Hamas delegation led by Khalil al-Hayya visited Cairo and met with Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad. Simultaneously, Egypt sent a delegation to Israel to promote negotiations with a new proposal that includes a concession on a previously firm Hamas demand – the withdrawal of IDF forces from Gaza, even after a ceasefire declaration – according to a report in the Wall Street Journal.
