On October 7, the Israeli military announced the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, which has brought a sense of closure to the families of hostages taken in Israel. The families expressed relief and a feeling that 'justice has been served' following this development.
One of the relatives, Gil Dickmann, who lost his cousin Carmel Gat to Hamas weeks ago, highlighted the impact of Sinwar's actions in Gaza, which resulted in numerous casualties, including Palestinians and his own cousin. Dickmann emphasized that the ultimate celebration for them would be the safe return of all hostages.
Another family member, Daniel Lifshitz, grandson of Oded Lifshitz, who was held captive in Gaza, described Sinwar as a significant barrier to negotiating the release of the remaining hostages. With Sinwar's removal, Lifshitz urged all parties involved to expedite efforts towards bringing the hostages back home.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum echoed the sentiments of these families, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the safe return of all individuals held captive. The recent development has raised hopes for a potential breakthrough in the negotiations for the release of the remaining hostages.
While the elimination of Sinwar is seen as a positive step, the families remain focused on the ultimate goal of reuniting with their loved ones. Their plea for swift action and cooperation from all parties underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for a collective effort to ensure the safe return of the hostages.