Families of Israeli Hostages Demand Netanyahu Act on Ceasefire Deal

Relatives accuse the prime minister of stalling the second phase of an agreement with Hamas, urging immediate action to secure the release of 59 remaining captives.

• Relatives of Israeli hostages held by Hamas have criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for delaying the next phase of a ceasefire deal aimed at securing their release.
• The first phase of the ceasefire led to the release of 33 Israeli hostages, including eight bodies, in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
• Families are calling for all remaining hostages to be released at once, rather than through piecemeal exchanges, to bring an end to the prolonged ordeal.
• Hamas has rejected Israel's proposal to extend the first phase of the truce, insisting on moving forward with the second phase to work toward a permanent ceasefire.
• Netanyahu's critics allege that his hesitation is politically motivated, while he has vowed to secure the return of all hostages and warned Hamas of severe consequences for non-compliance.

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