A group of former hostages who were held by Hamas in Gaza, accompanied by their family members, met with Pope Francis on Thursday. They expressed their hopes for collaboration between the incoming and outgoing U.S. administrations to secure the release of the remaining hostages.
Among the freed individuals was Yelena Troufanov, who was released last November while her son, Sasha, is still in Gaza. Sasha recently appeared in a video released by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group. During a press conference in Rome following their meeting with the Pope, Yelena expressed deep concern for her son’s well-being, noting the significant changes in him over the past year. She described her worries regarding his mental and physical health.
Yelena and the other former hostages reiterated their urgent plea for a resolution that could facilitate the return of those still held captive, particularly with the winter months approaching. They expressed hopes that the new Trump administration might collaborate with the outgoing Biden administration to hasten this process.
The conflict escalated on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack on Israel that resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals and the abduction of around 250 hostages, with many still unaccounted for. In retaliation, Israel’s military operations have led to over 43,000 reported deaths in Gaza, according to health officials who indicate that more than half of those killed are women and children; however, they do not differentiate between civilians and combatants.
The ongoing war has led to a dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza and has intensified Israel’s isolation on the international stage, with two world courts currently investigating potential war crimes. This situation has also sparked widespread protests at American universities, spurring discussions about the U.S. government’s role in supporting Israel both militarily and diplomatically.
Sharone Lifshitz, who accompanied her mother, Yocheved, to meet with the Pope, expressed her hope for cooperation between Biden and Trump in bringing the hostages back home before winter. Her mother, a veteran peace advocate, was released on October 23, 2023, while her father, Oded, remains in captivity. Sharone thanked Pope Francis for taking the time to meet with them, sharing that he promised to pray for the remaining hostages.
Israeli officials report that around 65 hostages are still being held by Hamas, along with the remains of about 35 individuals who either died during the initial assault or in captivity since then.
In a poignant message, Sharone remarked on the shared values between the Pope and her father, emphasizing their lifelong dedication to fostering a compassionate world that nurtures the vulnerable and builds bridges across different religions and cultures.
Louis Har, an Argentine-Israeli who was liberated during an Israeli military operation in Rafah last February, shared his unexpected joy at meeting the Pope. He recounted parts of his harrowing experience, noting one moment that moved him to tears. He presented the Pope with a necklace symbolizing hope, feeling a genuine connection with the Pontiff.
“His care and sincerity made me feel that our visit was meaningful,” he reflected, expressing a wish that the Pope’s prayers would resonate globally due to his influential presence.
Pope Francis has sought to navigate a delicate line in addressing the violence sparked by the Hamas attack and Israel’s military response, advocating for an immediate cease-fire, the release of hostages, and the provision of essential humanitarian aid to Gaza. He has critiqued Israel’s military actions, labeling them disproportionate and immoral, and is known to reach out daily to a Catholic parish in Gaza to check on its inhabitants.
The Pope has previously met with families of hostages and Palestinians affected by the conflict, reaffirming his commitment to those suffering in both communities.
