From the Liveblog of
Monday, July 7, 2025
Hostage relatives rally for deal in DC
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleJessica Steinberg, The Times of Israel's culture and lifestyles editor, covers the Sabra scene from south to north and back to the center
Family members of several hostages still held captive in Gaza are gathered in front of the Capitol in Washington, DC, as US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepare to meet in the White House on Monday evening.
The family members call on both leaders to secure a comprehensive deal that brings home all 50 remaining hostages held in Gaza, rather than the partial deal being discussed that would free 10 living hostages and the bodies of 18 hostages.
Terror groups in Gaza are still holding 50 hostages, 20 of whom are believed to be living.
“A partial deal would mean that some of the hostages would stay in the tunnels for more time and this is would be a death sentence,” says Ilan Dalal, father of hostage Guy Gilboa-Dalal. “Please make a deal that will bring all the hostages home.”
The family members in Washington include Hagai Angrest, father of hostage soldier Matan Angrest; Rotem Cooper, son of Amiram Cooper, 84, who was killed and his body still held hostage in Gaza; Ruby Chen, father of Itay Chen, a soldier who was killed on October 7 and his body taken hostage.
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