Ceasefire in the Gaza Strip: hostages in great danger!

Ceasefire in the Gaza Strip: hostages in great danger!

Negotiations for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip are rapidly gaining momentum, with the next phase of the deal set to begin this week. US special envoy Steve Witkoff reported on “productive and constructive” talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Qatari Prime Minister bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad. These talks were initiated by the governments of the United States, Egypt and Qatar and have focused on the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian detainees. The current agreement, in force since January 19, ends on March 1, but uncertainty remains over the implementation of the second phase. Netanyahu warned urgently that the “gates of hell” would be opened in Gaza if the hostages were not released, while relatives of 73 hostages held for over 500 days remain gravely concerned about the fate of their loved ones, with 36 of them presumed dead. How Krone.at reported, the relatives' forum called for rallies and fasting to draw attention to the tragic situation.

Reports of mistreatment of the hostages

Following the release of three more hostages from the hands of Hamas, initial reports of the cruel conditions of their captivity have sparked horror in Israel. Loud Süddeutsche.de The captivity lasted 16 months and was characterized by physical abuse and psychological stress. One released hostage, Sagui Dekel-Chen, reported being tortured during interrogations, leaving his body marked with scars. In addition, he only received news shortly before his release that his wife had given birth to a child. Another man, Alexander Trufanov, only learned upon release that his father had been killed in the October 7 massacre, leading to an emotional breakdown. Iair Horn, another survivor, lost weight dramatically during his captivity and received little medical care. All three hostages reported hunger and constant shelter in tunnels in Khan Yunis, just a few hundred meters from their home, underscoring the urgency and suffering of those abducted.