Former Gaza hostages urge Netanyahu for complete ceasefire

"We who have experienced the inferno know that a return to war is life-threatening for those still left behind" stated an open letter published on Instagram. "Implement the agreement in full, in one single maneuver," the former hostages added, addressing their words to the Israeli government.

Among the signatories of the letter was Jarden Bibas, whose wife, Shiri, and two sons, Kfir and Ariel, were killed in captivity in Gaza. Their story has become a symbol of the hostages’ tragedy.

Currently, 59 hostages remain in the captivity of Palestinian terrorist organizations such as Hamas and the Palestinian Jihad. The Israeli army estimates that 22 of them are still alive. The first phase of the ceasefire expired on March 1, and although fighting has not resumed, the parties have not reached an agreement to extend the truce.

According to earlier arrangements, the second stage of the agreement was set to begin on March 2, which involved a permanent truce, the complete withdrawal of Israelis from the Gaza Strip, and the release of the remaining living hostages. Israel announced its willingness to extend the first part of the ceasefire while demanding the release of additional hostages before negotiating the end of the conflict.

When Hamas did not agree to these terms, authorities in Jerusalem blocked all transports to the Gaza Strip, including humanitarian aid. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that if attempts to free the hostages fail, Israel will resume fighting with "unseen before" intensity.