Relatives share what it’s like to have a husband and child in captivity — with no end in sight
More than 500 days have passed since Hamas dragged 251 Israelis into captivity in Gaza. The nightmarish news sent Jews around the world reeling. But with the passage of time, familiar routine dulls the shock, outrage, or grief. The trickle of releases over the last few weeks, accompanied by scenes of joyous family reunions, has taken the edge off the pain.
But some 73 people are still being held hostage in Gaza by the terrorists. Since the war began, people have spoken of “the hostages” as if they were a single entity. And while it’s true that they share the same cruel fate, behind each one are parents, siblings, a partner. Individual identities are blurred behind the collective term. And for the families of the captives whose names don’t appear on the lists for release, there is no routine, no normality. Each day is not just “24 more hours.” It’s an eternity.
The world looks pretty different for those hostages being released in “Phase One” and those slated for “Phase Two.” The first phase of Israel’s ceasefire deal with Hamas took effect on January 19, and over the 42 days of this phase, 33 hostages are supposed to be freed. The deal stipulates that another 64 hostages — not all of whom are believed to be alive — will be let go in the second phase, although that is still subject to negotiation.
As the Trump administration threatens severe punishment for Hamas if it abrogates any part of the deal, the Phase One hostages continue to be released — 19 Israelis and five Thai nationals, so far. But even that joy comes at a staggering cost. For each innocent civilian who regains freedom, Israel is forced to release dozens of convicted Hamas terrorists, with Jewish blood on their hands.
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