Mother of Israeli hostage: 'All attempts have failed; it’s time to put forth a comprehensive agreement'

The families of hostages made a statement on Saturday evening at the Begin Gate of IDF headquarters in Tel Aviv, calling for the formulation of a deal that would lead to the release of all hostages held by Hamas for 659 days in a single phase. Later, a demonstration is expected to take place, starting from the same location.

Einav Zangauker, mother of the Israeli hostage, Matan, said: “We’re standing here and again hearing about a breakdown in the talks. If the negotiations collapse, so will my Matan – he and 49 other male and female hostages will collapse. Since Edan [Alexander] was released from captivity, I haven’t known what happened to Matan. I only know he doesn’t have time – his muscle atrophy is worsening and he’s in mortal danger.”

She continued: “For a year and ten months, we tried everything except one thing: the Israeli government has never put forth a comprehensive agreement that would end the war and bring everyone back. All of Israel’s approaches have led to dead ends. All attempts have failed. It’s time to put forth a comprehensive agreement – no phased releases, no selections, no Stage A and Stage B, no splitting families apart.”

She concluded: “We’ve defeated Hamas. And because of Israel’s insistence on a few meters of land, Matan will pay with his life. It’s time to stop the cycle of bereavement, bring the hostages and soldiers home – bring the air back. It’s time to submit a proposal for a comprehensive agreement and end the war.”

Omri Lifshitz, son of Oded, who was kidnapped on Oct. 7 and murdered in captivity, said: “I want to directly address President Trump: Mr. President, the families of the hostages thank you for your concern for the hostages and for the State of Israel and for your efforts to end the war – Israel as a whole thanks you. But Mr. President, you also know Netanyahu blew up the previous deal. Netanyahu dragged his feet and didn’t move to the next stage. Don’t let him do to you what he did to Biden. Partial deals and staged agreements will not end the war and bring everyone back. A comprehensive deal covering everyone and ending the war is needed.”

An Israeli source familiar with the plan told Kan News last night that, contrary to appearances, the gaps between the sides are not that large and an agreement is still possible. According to the source, it could even happen in the coming days.

Additionally, a political source familiar with the details of the negotiations spoke with reporters last Thursday about the return of the Israeli delegation from Doha, as announced by the Prime Minister’s Office: “Hamas’ response is in a state that doesn’t allow progress without us consulting on how to create movement in their position,” the source said.

“We will continue the contacts – there is no breakdown and no collapse. The negotiations have continued for 18 days in proximity talks, and progress has been made – up to the point where we needed to return for consultations.”

“In the early morning, a little after 2:30 a.m., we had a meeting with the mediators that was scheduled after they met with Hamas,” said the political source.

“During the meeting, we were presented with the details of their response to our proposal, which had already been submitted a week ago. We held consultations and decided to continue those in Israel to examine how to narrow the gaps in the negotiations and how to move forward.”