ELNET is greatly heartened at the prospect of the release of some of the hostages taken captive by Hamas based on the deal finalized this morning. We await their much-anticipated return, and stand in solidarity with all of the families and loved ones in this time.
While celebrating that some of the hostages will be returned, too many will still remain in captivity in Gaza. The world must remain steadfast in demanding that ALL hostages be released immediately and unconditionally and we call on European leaders to keep this matter at the top of the global agenda.
For every minute that Hamas continues to hold hostages captive in Gaza, this is an ongoing crime against humanity.
We reiterate that Israel has every right and obligation to defend itself against Hamas, a terrorist organization who has vowed to repeat the October 7th massacre again and again.