Jerusalem, May 15 (H.S.): Sixty-five Israeli citizens who were held hostage in Gaza and have recently been released have appealed to U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resume talks to ensure the release of those still held captive in Gaza and not to miss this crucial opportunity. This appeal was made through a letter issued by the ‘Hostage and Missing Families Forum,’ which represents the kidnapped individuals and their families during the attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023.

The letter states, We, who were kidnapped on October 7 due to the negligence of the state, now that we have been released, welcome the return of Aiden Alexander. Notably, Alexander is an Israeli-American soldier who was freed through independent negotiations by the U.S. with Hamas.

The former hostages also expressed, We are confident that the Israeli government now has a real opportunity to return to the negotiating table. We urge all of you not to abandon this effort until a comprehensive agreement is reached.

This heartfelt appeal from the former hostages is being viewed as a new hope amidst the conflict, which could open the door for meaningful initiatives towards regional stability.

However, Prime Minister Netanyahu had denied any form of negotiations with Hamas after a brief ceasefire ended in March. He had resumed military operations in Gaza, which dealt a blow to peace efforts. But the recent release and independent efforts by the U.S. have indicated that diplomatic avenues are not completely closed.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar