Former Gaza hostages urge Netanyahu to secure full ceasefire

"We who have experienced the inferno know that a return to war is life-threatening for those still left behind" - was stated in an open letter published on Instagram. "Implement the agreement in full, in one single maneuver," the former hostages added, addressing their words to the Israeli government.

Among those who signed the letter was Jarden Bibas, whose wife, Shiri, and two sons, Kfir and Ariel, were killed while captive in Gaza. Their story has become a poignant symbol of the hostages' tragedy.

Currently, 59 hostages remain held by Palestinian terrorist organisations such as Hamas and the Palestinian Jihad. The Israeli army estimates that 22 of them are still alive. The initial phase of the ceasefire ended on 1st March, and although fighting has not resumed, the parties have not managed to reach an agreement to extend the truce.

According to prior arrangements, the second stage of the agreement was scheduled to commence on 2nd March, involving a permanent truce, the complete withdrawal of Israelis from the Gaza Strip, and the release of the remaining living hostages. Israel expressed its willingness to extend the first part of the ceasefire while insisting on the release of additional hostages before negotiating the war's end.

When Hamas did not accept these terms, authorities in Jerusalem halted all transports to the Gaza Strip, including humanitarian aid. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that if attempts to free the hostages fail, Israel will resume fighting with "unseen before" intensity.