Tel Aviv: Families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza have appealed to US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to introduce a new proposal aimed at securing their release. At a press conference in Tel Aviv, Itzik Horn, the father of hostage Eitan Horn, urged Witkoff to present a plan to facilitate the return of all hostages and bring an end to the ongoing war in Gaza. According to Anadolu Agency, Horn emphasized the need for Witkoff to deliver an ultimatum to both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas, stating, "This is likely the only way to return the hostages." He called for Witkoff to move away from Netanyahu's approach, which Horn accused of extending the conflict for political reasons, and instead advance a plan focused on freeing prisoners. The first phase of a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement, brokered by Egypt and Qatar with US oversight, was initiated in January and concluded in early March. While Hamas adhered to the agreement, Netanyahu faced criticism for halting the second phase due to pressure from far-right coalition members, as reported by Israeli media. Opposition figures and hostage families have accused Netanyahu of prolonging the war to consolidate power and appease ultranationalist allies. Meanwhile, the al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, issued a warning on Saturday, stating that Israeli forces are besieging a location where Israeli soldier Matan Zangauker is held, and that the Israeli army would be responsible if he is harmed during any rescue attempt. Additionally, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office announced the recovery of the body of Thai citizen Natfong Pinta from the Gaza Strip, alleging that Pinta was killed in captivity. Israel currently estimates that 56 captives remain in Gaza, with 20 believed to be alive. Concurrently, over 10,400 Palestinians are imprisoned in Israel under harsh conditions, including reports of torture and medical neglect, according to rights groups. Hamas has offered to release all Israeli captives in exchange for an end to the war, w ithdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, and the release of Palestinian prisoners. However, Netanyahu has rejected these terms, demanding the disarmament of Palestinian resistance factions and seeking renewed control over Gaza. Despite international calls for a ceasefire, Israel has continued its offensive in Gaza since October 2023, resulting in the deaths of nearly 55,000 Palestinians, primarily women and children. Aid agencies have highlighted the severe risk of famine among the enclave's over 2 million residents. In response to the conflict, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions against civilians in the region.
