January 1, Israel Pressures Hamas Over Held Hostages

Wyatt’s Take

• Israel says it’s not enough that some hostages were released.
• Officials blame Hamas for not following through on their promises.
• The situation on the ground isn’t matching the deals made on paper.

Israeli Deputy Chief of Mission Eliav Benjamin said pressure remains on Hamas because some hostages haven’t come home. Israel is frustrated that talks and deadlines aren’t lining up with what’s really happening.

Benjamin shared.

“It’s the ultimate feeling of mixed feelings, because, on the one hand, we’re over the moon with joy, with the release of 20 of our live hostages and four deceased hostages as well, the visit of the president in Israel…this is an amazing visit of his, very short, addressing the Knesset, people are celebrating in the streets. But, at the same time, we’re still waiting for another 24 deceased hostages to come back home and to see that we go through with the next phase of this arrangement.”

He explained.

“True, there were 72 hours we were given. But let’s also remember that 70 hours were also given a week ago.

And the reality on the ground is much more complicated than it is on paper. We are holding them accountable.

We’re holding Hamas accountable to stand — to keep its end of the deal.”

Israel expects the global community to keep pushing Hamas to deliver on its word. Many families are still waiting, while the world watches for results.

Stay tuned as more unfolds in this tense story.

Wyatt Matters

This tug-of-war shows how regular folks pay the price while leaders make deals. Heartland families know the pain of waiting for promises to get kept.

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