Group of hostage families demand PM agree to proposed hostage deal: ‘Don’t you dare break our heart again’

A group of relatives of hostages held in Gaza urges the government to accept the current proposal for a deal to return their loved ones, in a weekly address in Tel Aviv.

Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is held hostage, says she feels hope for the first time in months “that I can hug my Matan” and that the opportunity for a deal cannot be missed.

“[Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu, we saw how you torpedoed deals again and again at the moment of truth. Don’t you dare break our heart again,” she says.

She adds the prime minister has a duty to return the hostages she says he abandoned on October 7.

“Only public pressure will bring a deal. Take to the streets with us,” she says.

Danny Elgarat, whose brother Itzik is held captive, declares that the public is with the hostage families and backs a deal, citing repeated opinion polls.

“The people believe that the country won’t recover without a return of all the hostages. A group of extremists in the government, cut off from the people, want to sentence them to death. Leadership is expected to act according to the will of the people and to hear the cry of the public,” he says.

Ayala Metzger, whose father-in-law Yoram is held hostage, calls on those close to Netanyahu to stop him from torpedoing a deal.

“It is your duty to ensure this deal is carried out. You can’t miss this opportunity. If Netanyahu raises difficulties or puts sticks in the wheels of the negotiations, come out to the public and tell the truth,” she says.