Gaza hostage ceasefire must not be political

The hostage deal has been completed, and Israelis across the board are overwhelmed with joy, defeat, anger, and awe.

Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement for the gradual return of Israeli hostages in exchange for a significant withdrawal of Israeli Defense Forces from the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages and prisoners of war.

Israel agreed to open the Rafah border crossing a week after implementing the deal, and 33 hostages are scheduled to be released in the first phase, which will last a month and a half.

In return, Israel will release convicted terrorists, including those captured after October 7 and those still serving life sentences.

Qatar and Egypt will oversee the return of refugees from the southern Gaza Strip to the northern part, while the withdrawal of Israeli Defense Forces from the Netherim Corridor will be completed in stages.

The past few days have felt like a race toward the inevitable finish line of a hostage deal, but it hasn’t all been plain sailing. Hamas made new demands regarding the Philadelphia Corridor just before agreeing to a hostage cease-fire agreement with Qatari mediators. These requests conflicted with previously approved maps. Israel strongly opposes any changes, and Arab media reported that Egypt agreed to work with both Hamas and Israeli teams to amend the agreement to address “loopholes” identified by Hamas. .

Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces have reportedly begun preparations for an initial withdrawal in the Gaza Strip, although a formal withdrawal has not begun. The withdrawal is expected to occur in stages, coordinated with the release of hostages by Hamas. Current preparations include logistical support such as the demolition of semi-permanent facilities, including the possible removal of infrastructure from areas such as the Netzarim Corridor.

President Trump’s statement

At the same time, US President-elect Donald Trump claimed on Truth Social that his recent election victory had an impact on the newly announced ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. He said his national security team, through Middle East Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, would work to prevent Gaza from becoming a “safe haven for terrorists.”

In his post, President Trump emphasized his plans to expand on the Abraham Accords and promote “peace through strength” in the region. Despite not yet being sworn in, Trump claimed his team had “accomplished so much” and promised more “victories for America” ​​when he returns to the White House.

But now is not the time to grab credibility, or in any case to advance a political agenda. Now is the time to think about hostages.

First of all, those who were killed in captivity as if they were animals. Alexander Lobanov helped evacuate people at the Supernova music festival. Hersh Goldberg-Pollin’s parents’ tears shocked the world. Youssef Ziadneh was taking a break from work to go on a picnic with his three children when he was taken hostage.

Secondly, we have to think about the people who want us to return safely. Daniela Gilboa was recognized by the shirt she wore in a Hamas photo. Agam Berger loved music and played the violin beautifully. Matan Zangaukar cared for those in need.

Now is not the time to get into frivolous political situations. Now is not the time to lament the release of Hamas terrorists. It may be time. Today we must celebrate as a nation and for our nation.

Because as a nation, we are a people who prioritize life over death, and soon we will see our hostages returned alive. For our country, because the people detained in Gaza for 468 days are our citizens. They are mirrors for everyone: children, men, women, Jews, Bedouins, tall and short, brown-haired, green-eyed. They are Israelis and are returning home.

Let’s leave the battle for tomorrow. We’re pretty good at it anyway. Now is the time to feel the rays of hope within the hostage families as they reunite with their loved ones and prepare to welcome our people home again.