‘Last Chance March’ in Israel, as hostages negotiations first round ends in Qatar

The “Last Chance March” held yesterday in Tel Aviv, led by families of the hostages, calling on the negotiation team in Qatar: “Don’t return without a deal!”

While the summit in is still in progress with first round not bringing up much hope, but thousands of people had joined the families of the hostages in a march from Independence Hall in Tel Aviv, the historic site where Israel’s establishment was declared. The marchers are calling out to the negotiation team with a clear message: Don’t return without a deal!

While talking at rally Danny Elgart, brother of Itzik Elgart said: “Itzik was kidnapped alive from Nir Oz and was seen alive 52 days later. If he’s not alive today – the responsibility for his blood is on the hands of those who are stalling the negotiations! We hear about far-right ministers threatening and sabotaging the possibility of reaching a deal.

They prefer land over people, and don’t understand that the hostages are evidence of the greatest security, social, moral, and religious failure in the history of the State of Israel. A deal to return the hostages is not a security threat. If the hostages don’t return, it will be a social, moral, and ethical threat that will lead to the collapse and suicide of Israeli society. It’s time for rehabilitation! It’s time for the hostages!” said Danny.

Col. (Res.) Talya Lankri, former senior official in the National Security Council speaking on the occasion said: “This is a critical juncture. When the hostages return, Israel will get back on track. This ceasefire will lead to a stabilization in the north and bring about a new national priority – focusing on Iran first, rather than wallowing in the Gaza quagmire. In 10 months, the military has achieved a lot, but unfortunately, we haven’t been able to leverage these tactical and military achievements into significant diplomatic gains – first and foremost, the return of the hostages, both men and women.”