Mourners in Israel gathered on Friday to lay to rest Tsachi Idan, one of the last hostages released in the first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. As the funeral procession moved from a Tel Aviv football stadium to his final resting place, discussions for a second phase of the ceasefire, which could bring home the remaining hostages, intensified.
A Life Cut Short: The Tragic Fate of Tsachi Idan
Tsachi Idan, a devoted soccer fan, was taken hostage from Kibbutz Nahal Oz during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack that led to the war in Gaza. He was killed in captivity, with his remains released as part of the final swap of the ceasefire’s first phase.
His abduction was particularly harrowing. Hamas militants livestreamed their invasion of the Idan home, as his two younger children pleaded for mercy. His eldest daughter, Maayan, was tragically killed when militants shot through their saferoom door.
“My brother is the real hero. He held on,” said his sister, Noam Idan ben Ezra, in an Israeli radio interview. Expressing frustration over delays in his release, she added, “Tsachi was forsaken twice. The first time when he was kidnapped from his home and the second time when the deal blew up.”
Hostages Still in Captivity: Growing Concerns
The plight of remaining hostages continues to fuel public pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel reports that of the 59 hostages still held in Gaza, 32 are believed to be dead.
The recent release of three hostages on February 8 has only intensified concerns about their treatment. One of them, Eli Sharabi, described harrowing conditions in captivity. “During the first three days, my hands were tied behind my back, my legs were tied, with ropes that tear into your flesh,” he told Israel’s Channel 12. He also revealed that hostages were held in iron chains, starved, and subjected to beatings.
Sharabi learned only after his release that his wife and daughters had been killed in the October 7 attack.
Ceasefire Talks Enter a Critical Stage
As negotiations move forward, Israel, Hamas, Qatar, and the United States are discussing the next phase of the truce. Phase 2 is expected to focus on ending the war, securing the release of remaining hostages, and withdrawing Israeli troops from Gaza. The return of the bodies of deceased hostages will be addressed in Phase 3.
Hamas reaffirmed its commitment to the agreement in a statement released Friday, calling on the international community to ensure Israel “immediately proceed to the second phase without any delay or evasion.”
Netanyahu’s office confirmed that Israel had sent a delegation to Cairo for discussions. “The mediators are also discussing ways to enhance the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip as part of efforts to alleviate the population’s suffering and support stability in the region,” stated Egypt’s state information service.
The Human Cost of the War
The first phase of the ceasefire resulted in the release of 33 hostages, including eight bodies, in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. However, the broader impact of the conflict remains devastating.
Hamas’ October 7 attack killed approximately 1,200 people in Israel, triggering a military response that has left Gaza in ruins. According to Palestinian health officials, more than 48,000 Palestinians have died, over half of whom were women and children. Nearly 90% of Gaza’s population has been displaced, and the region’s infrastructure and health system have been decimated.
Ramadan Begins Amidst Ruins
Despite the ongoing devastation, Palestinians in Gaza City have begun preparations for Ramadan, the holy Islamic month of fasting and prayer. Many are struggling to gather essential goods.
“The situation is very difficult for people, and life is very hard,” said Gaza resident Nasser Shoueikh. “Some people can’t afford to shop for Ramadan, but our faith in God is great as he never forgets to bless people.”
As ceasefire negotiations continue, both Israelis and Palestinians are left grappling with the enormous losses endured during this prolonged conflict, hoping that the next phase of the truce will bring some relief.