From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Mother of hostage Alon Ohel says she hasn’t given up hope for hostage deal
Jessica Steinberg, The Times of Israel's culture and lifestyles editor, covers the Sabra scene from south to north and back to the center
Idit Ohel, mother of hostage Alon Ohel, addressed the Shift 101 vigil for the hostages outside the IDF headquarters in Tel Aviv earlier this evening, telling them that she has not given up hope.
“Alon and the other hostages need us to do everything so that they will be here with us,” said Ohel. “This is a very unsettling time, and it seems like there is some kind of window of opportunity — we have to hold on to that faith and hope. But until we see them at home, it’s not over.”
Anat Angrest also speaks about her son, hostage Matan Angrest, an IDF soldier who was stationed on the Gaza border to protect Israel and was severely injured in battle with Hamas terrorists before being taken hostage to Gaza.
“Why is it always about a partial deal?” asks Angrest. “This saga can be ended, and everyone can be brought back. How is it that people are still talking about selections? Matan’s grandfather is a Holocaust survivor who is now experiencing a second selection — through his grandson, under the auspices of deals made by the Israeli government.”
Two protesters were arrested at the sit-in for the hostages, after they refused to leave the vicinity of the IDF headquarters without speaking to IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir.
The Times of Israel Community.