Kidnapped families in the house of Benny Gantz/Omer Raviv
Several members of the families of the abductees expressed frustration this evening (Wednesday) at the insinuations that Minister Benny Gantz scattered about "initial signs" of a new abductee deal - and are longing for news of concrete progress on a deal that will bring their loved ones back home.
"Ganz's statements are still not clear-cut and that's worrying," she told Walla!
Ofri Bibs, sister of Jordan Bibs, who was kidnapped with his wife Shiri and their children Ariel and Kafir.
"The incessant rumors surrounding the negotiation attempts, yes or no progress, yes or no sending a representative are very disturbing."
Ayala, the daughter-in-law of the abducted Yoram Metzger, talks about a lack of trust in the leadership: "I experience a terrible sense of orphanhood - that no one in power really cares, they are sacrificing me and my family for extreme ideologies."
Along with the pain, she expressed a slight hope from Gantz's words: "So if there is a grain of truth in this news - I am happy, but I prefer not to be told about every step but to be informed when something happens. The heartache is too hard. Until everyone is not at home - I will not believe it at the word of none of the members of the government."
Ofri Bibbs joined the demand: "I would like to hear about an unequivocal return to negotiations, sending an Israeli representative to Cairo or Paris with a full commitment to succeed in reaching an agreement even before the Ramadan period."
The families of the abductees cry outside the War Cabinet meeting, February 20, 2024/Niv Aaronson
Benny Gantz speaks at the conference of presidents of Jewish organizations in America/Flash 90, Yonatan Zindel
Hagit, the mother of Itay Chen, the 19-year-old soldier who was kidnapped from the IDF base on October 7, also shared the feeling of frustration and despair: "We, the family, are not being updated beyond what we read in the media.
I'm not excited by the statement because I don't know if it's true.
We are so exhausted that there is no air left.
After 138 days in captivity - there must be a deal that will include everyone."
Gantz delivered his words at a press conference he held this evening. "We will not stop looking for a way, and we will not miss any opportunity to bring the girls and boys home.
There is no stone left unturned to fulfill this mission that belongs to the entire Israeli society.
A mission for which the responsibility rests with the leadership," he declared at a press conference he held.
In the meantime, Gantz referred to the continuation of the fighting in Gaza and the beginning of military activity in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. "We are facing a senior operation, which will begin after the evacuation of the population from the area.
The importance of clearing Rafah is the ability to harm the Hamas forces operating there and the need to destabilize the Gaza Strip." Gantz sent a threat to Hamas - urging it to show a willingness to deal with hostages, otherwise the IDF will continue fighting even into the month of Ramadan.
"Since the kidnapping plan, we have not stopped fighting for even one day - and we will not stop even for a minute, without the return of our abductees. In any situation, we will continue to fight with the necessary intensity until we remove the threat of Hamas."
More on the same topic:
Gaza war
War of Iron Swords
abducted
Benny Gantz