The Hostage and Missing Families Forum has called on mediators involved in the new ceasefire proposal to continue negotiations diligently in order to bring hostages held in Gaza back home safely. The forum emphasized the importance of bridging the remaining gaps to ensure the safe return of the hostages.
The family headquarters has specifically urged Israel's negotiation teams to be actively involved in the process to explore all possible avenues for progress. They highlighted the critical nature of timely negotiations, stating that any delays could jeopardize the chances of reaching a resolution and pose a significant risk to the hostages currently in the custody of Hamas.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the forum expressed the urgency of the situation, emphasizing that the return of both female and male hostages is a top priority. They stressed that the recovery process cannot commence without the hostages and that their absence continues to cast a shadow over celebratory occasions.
Meanwhile, in Doha, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken shared his perspective on the ongoing negotiations. Blinken acknowledged that while he believes the existing gaps can be bridged, the ultimate success of the negotiations hinges on the willingness of all parties to cooperate and reach a consensus. He emphasized the importance of active participation and commitment from all sides to ensure a positive outcome.