Families of hostages say PM told them ‘time is ripe’ for a deal

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the families of the Gaza hostages earlier today that “the time is ripe” for a deal to release their loved ones, the families say in a joint statement following the first meeting with the premier in several months.

The meeting was attended by Malki Shem-Tov, father of Omer Shem-Tov; Sharon Sharabi, brother of Eli and Yossi Sharabi; Shir Siegal, daughter of Keith Siegal; Lishay Lavi Miran, wife of Omri Miran; Udi Goren, cousin of Oct. 7 victim Tal Chaimi whose body is in Gaza; and Gil Dickmann, cousin of slain hostage Carmel Gat.

During the meeting, the families say they called on the prime minister to “act now for the release of all the hostages, both the living and the dead,” and stressed that all the captives must be released for humanitarian reasons.

“The prime minister told us that he too understands that the hostages will only return through a deal, and that he is ready for a ceasefire to promote the release of the hostages. What worked in the north will work in the south,” they say, referring to the ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon.

According to the families, Netanyahu “noted that there are reasons for optimism” regarding the viability of a deal. “We called on him not to miss the opportunities as may have happened in the past,” they say.

They say that the premier also reassured them that the considerations of his coalition would not influence the negotiating process, calling the idea “nonsense.”

“We understand from the prime minister that he recognizes significant progress in the ability to reach a deal,” the families say. “We hope to hear about progress in the coming days.