On Wednesday, the families and friends of Israeli hostages began a significant march from the Nova festival site, where Hamas gunmen attacked on October 7, to Jerusalem. The site, near Kibbutz Re’im, was the location of a massacre, with hundreds killed and many taken hostage.
The marchers, carrying photos of the missing, are calling on the government to do more to secure the release of the remaining 134 hostages. Their hopes have been buoyed by ongoing discussions of a potential ceasefire.
Ronen Neutra, whose 22-year-old son Omer is among the hostages, addressed the crowd, expressing his frustration and hope. “One hundred and forty-five endless days and nights of yearning for our loved ones,” he said, urging his son to hold on a little longer as talks progress.
Recent discussions in Paris, involving US, Egyptian, and Qatari mediators, have raised speculation about a possible ceasefire. Although details are not public, reports suggest the ceasefire could last six weeks, with 40 Israeli hostages being released gradually. In exchange, around 400 Palestinian prisoners, some convicted of serious offenses, might be freed. There could also be a partial withdrawal of Israeli soldiers from Gaza and the return of some displaced Palestinians.
However, key issues remain unresolved, including the exact number of Palestinian prisoners to be released for each Israeli hostage and the specifics of troop redeployment and the return of displaced Palestinians. Negotiations are ongoing in Qatar, with Egyptian and Qatari mediators shuttling between Israeli and Hamas representatives.
Haim Tomer, a former Mossad chief, expressed cautious optimism, noting that the negotiation process seems to be progressing. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has hinted at possible flexibility in the group’s demands, although formal responses to the proposals are still pending.
Meanwhile, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar’s whereabouts and influence remain unclear amidst ongoing conflict and heavy bombardment. As the families of the hostages march toward Jerusalem, they await news of a potential agreement that could bring relief and reunite them with their loved ones.