‘Philadelphi is reversible; the life of a murdered hostage isn’t’: Relatives speak at Jerusalem rally

Family members of hostages held by Hamas speak at Paris Square in Jerusalem near the prime minister’s official residence.

Eyal Calderon, cousin of hostage Ofer Calderon, chastises the government over “the horror video” that showed the tunnel where six hostages were executed last month. A day later, Calderon alleges, cabinet members told him in a private meeting that the Philadelphi Corridor is a strategic asset that must not be forfeited.

Richelle Tzarfati, the mother of Ofir Tzarfati, whose body remains in Gaza after being killed on October 7, says the bodies of dead hostages must also be returned so that their families can lay them to rest.

Omri Shtivi, brother of hostage Idan Shtivi, addresses his brother in his speech. He says the government is not working for his release to preserve itself.

“Can you believe it?” he says.

Shtivi addresses the government: “Ask yourselves what’s reversible. Philadelphi is reversible; the life of a murdered hostage isn’t.”