Over 65 ex-hostages urge Israel to seize ‘historic momentum’ for deal that frees all captives

Relatives and supporters of Israelis held hostage in Gaza by Palestinian terrorists lift placards and Israeli flags as they call on the US to intervene for their release, in front of the US embassy branch office in Tel Aviv, on May 13, 2025. (Jack Guez/AFP)
Relatives and supporters of Israelis held hostage in Gaza by Palestinian terrorists lift placards and Israeli flags as they call on the US to intervene for their release, in front of the US embassy branch office in Tel Aviv, on May 13, 2025. (Jack Guez/AFP)

A group of over 65 freed hostages signs onto a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other government ministers urging Israel to resume negotiations for a deal to free all the hostages, citing the “historic momentum” created by the release of Edan Alexander.

“We believe the Israeli government now faces a genuine opportunity to return to the negotiating table. We urge all those involved in this process: Please do not walk away until a comprehensive deal is signed,” the ex-captives write. “The majority of Israeli society wants the hostages home — even at the cost of halting military operations. They believe in the sanctity of human life and the paramount importance of bringing the fallen back for proper burial in Israel.”

“Having endured Hamas’s tunnels ourselves, we call upon US President Donald Trump, the prime minister, government ministers and all those engaged in these negotiations: Do not let this historic momentum stop,” they add.

They also call to “free all our brothers and sisters from their nightmare, regardless of which citizenship they hold.”

“Only the immediate return of ALL hostages through a negotiated deal will create the foundation for hope, unity, and the renewal of our nation,” the former hostages add.

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