Negotiating Table
On the night of December 12, 2023, and once again on the following morning, family members of hostages held in Gaza embarked on a march toward the Knesset. Their poignant journey aimed at exerting pressure on the government to resume negotiations with the Hamas group for the safe return of their loved ones.
Nadav Rudeif, a participant in the march, expressed the collective sentiment of the families, emphasizing their dwindling reserves of patience and urging the government to demonstrate courage in upcoming decisions. Holding a sign for his father, Lior Rudeif, who, along with four others, was abducted from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak on October 7, Nadav highlighted the challenges faced by his father, who sustained injuries while fighting the terrorists and is currently undergoing medical treatment following a severe heart attack two years ago.
Acknowledging the anticipated difficulty of negotiating the release of 137 individuals held captive for 67 days, Rudeif stressed the importance of supporting the government in making brave decisions, even in the face of potential public scrutiny in Israel.
As the marchers approached the Knesset, the Israel Defense Forces announced the recovery of the bodies of civilian Eden Zacharia and IDF Warrant Officer Ziv Dado, both taken hostage by Hamas on October 7. The grim reminder of the tragic events on that day, where around 1,200 people, mainly civilians, lost their lives, underscored the urgency of the families’ plea for the return of those still held captive in Gaza.
The families, clad in black “Bring Them Home Now” shirts and sweatshirts, gathered outside the Supreme Court building, with volunteers from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum distributing symbolic items such as sandwiches, neon glow sticks, and candles.
Despite the cold and dark drizzle, the marchers proceeded along Kaplan Street, chanting for the immediate return of their loved ones, creating a poignant tableau of anguish, hope, and determination. Overall, families of Gaza hostages march to Knesset urging government to return to negotiating table with Hamas for loved ones’ release.
I am a dynamic professional, specializing in Peace and Conflict Studies, Conflict Management and Resolution, and International Relations. My expertise is particularly focused on South Asian Conflicts and the intricacies of the Indian Ocean and Asia Pacific Politics. With my skills as a Content Writer, I serve as a bridge between academia and the public, translating complex global issues into accessible narratives. My passion for fostering understanding and cooperation on the national and international stage drives me to make meaningful contributions to peace and global discourse.
