At weekly address, group of hostage families urge government to reach deal with Hamas

Several relatives of hostages held in Gaza urge the government to close the gaps in talks with Hamas on a deal to free their loved ones, in a weekly press conference.

Eyal Eshel, the father of Roni Eshel, who was killed on October 7, says: “Saving the hostages is the key to saving the country.”

Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is held hostage by Hamas, urges the government to take the proposal currently on the table for a deal.

“Hostages have no time for blame games. We demand the government: take the initiative, turn over every stone, do not miss the deal that is on the table,” she says.

Addressing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Ayala Metzger, whose father-in-law Yoram’s body is held by Hamas, says “The country is burning,” warning of an additional major war in the north.

“The continuation of the war will bring a continuation of the loss of life, among the abducted soldiers and civilians. A deal means security. A deal will bring security in all arenas,” she says.