From the Liveblog of
Monday, May 12, 2025
Pleading for deal, hostages’ relatives turn to Trump ahead of Israeli-American’s release
Stav Levaton is a military reporter for The Times of Israel
As Israel readies for the release of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander from Hamas captivity, hostages’ families publicly blast Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the crisis, urge an immediate deal to free all remaining hostages, and voice praise for US President Donald Trump.
Speaking to the press in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, who is believed to be alive in Hamas captivity, addresses her son: “We are doing everything for your return, even though Netanyahu has abandoned you.”
Speaking to Trump in English, she adds, “All of the Israeli people are behind you. End this war. Bring them all home.”
Ayelet Samerano, mother of Jonathan Samerano, whose body was seized and taken to the Gaza Strip by an UNRWA employee after Hamas terrorists killed him on October 7, 2023, addresses decision makers: “We are the picture of all Israeli citizens. The overwhelming majority wants the hostages home.”
Dani Miran, father of Omri Miran, emphasizes the importance of compromise in reaching a hostage deal: “In 16 days, we will mark 600 days that our loved ones have been in Hamas captivity. I’m happy about Edan Alexander’s release, but I ask — what about our passport? What about our citizenship in this country? Doesn’t the government know how to protect its citizens? There are no deals without compromises. Hamas has already made the first compromise — make your compromises and reach a deal.”
Other family members express frustration that foreign governments seem to be doing more to free the hostages than Israel itself. Michael Illouz, whose son Guy was killed in Hamas captivity, remarks bitterly, “I regret not having a foreign passport.”
The Times of Israel Community.