Release of hostages serves as reminder of Israeli government’s commitment to securing return of all kidnapped citizens
(MENAFN) After 484 days of captivity, Ofer Calderon, Yeden Bibas, and Kiev Segal were finally freed and returned to Israel yesterday. Their release is a reminder of the Israeli government’s commitment to securing the return of all kidnapped citizens. It is vital for Israel’s leadership to prevent the far-right from pushing the country back into war and abandoning the hostages to death. The coming days will determine Israel’s direction, with crucial negotiations between Israel and Hamas for the second phase of the agreement set to begin tomorrow. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has stressed the importance of Israel following through with the second phase of the deal. The U.S. has made it clear that they want this agreement fully implemented, and Special Envoy Steve Whitkoff has been sent to the region to ensure the relevant authorities are aligned.
However, Netanyahu faces pressure from the far-right, including Bezalel Smotrich’s call for the occupation of Gaza and Trump’s rhetoric about population transfer, which has fueled extremist demands for deportations. Despite these pressures, Netanyahu must stay focused on the path of ending the war and ensuring the return of all kidnapped individuals, as this remains the only viable solution. Additionally, there should be no illusions about quick fixes to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Proposals for deportations to Egypt or Jordan are unrealistic, and key Arab players, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan, have made it clear they would not support such plans. The Palestinian Authority, not any alternative, is the recognized governing body.
Any delays in the second-phase talks could hinder the release of more hostages. Netanyahu must finalize the agreement, end the war, and work with international and regional partners to bring about a lasting solution in the Middle East.
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