When the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas commenced two months ago, Herut Nimrodi held onto hope that her son would soon be freed from captivity in Gaza. Her 20-year-old son, Tamir, a soldier, was supposed to be released during the next phase of the agreement to end the ongoing conflict.
However, Israel’s sudden resurgence of airstrikes on Gaza has clouded Nimrodi’s hope. “I genuinely wished to believe that we could transition to a second stage without reigniting this war. But now, my hope has crumbled, and I’m at a loss about what to do next,” she expressed on Tuesday.
Nearly 60 families have loved ones still captured in Gaza, and it’s estimated that around two dozen hostages are still alive. Initially, during the ceasefire’s first phase which started in January, 25 Israeli captives were released by Hamas, along with the bodies of eight others, in a swap for nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees. As this phase concluded earlier this month without further consensus, tensions have been growing.
The recommencement of Israeli airstrikes jeopardizes the already fragile agreement. Tamir Nimrodi was taken from his military base during a violent assault by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in roughly 1,200 deaths and over 250 hostages being taken. Herut Nimrodi hasn’t received any evidence of life and Israel hasn’t officially declared him deceased.
“It’s tragic that this seems to be the only solution they found,” she lamented in response to the government’s actions. The recent Tuesday airstrikes killed over 400 people, disrupting the brief tranquility and hopes for securing an end to a conflict that has claimed over 48,000 Palestinian lives.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justified the airstrikes by pointing to the stalemate in ceasefire extension talks, with the government characterizing the military actions as indefinite. The resumption of hostilities reignites a complex debate within Israel regarding the captives’ situation.
Netanyahu alongside his hard-right coalition argues that increased military pressure on Hamas might compel them to release more captives and advance Israel’s ambition of dismantling Hamas’ militaristic and administrative capabilities. Conversely, most families with hostages, along with a significant segment of the Israeli populace, find such objectives unattainable. They assert that time is running out, particularly after witnessing the frail condition of recent hostage returnees who recounted harsh captivity experiences.
Hamas pointed fingers at Netanyahu for disrupting the ceasefire, thus endangering the hostages’ lives. Hostage families urged supporters to join them in protests outside Israel’s parliament on Tuesday. Some relatives, who have already lost loved ones confirmed dead in Gaza, expressed their profound dissatisfaction with the government’s decision.
“This situation is devastating in every conceivable manner, not just for hostages enduring inhumane conditions, but also due to the escalating death count among Gazans,” remarked Udi Goren, whose cousin was killed on October 7, and his body was taken into Gaza. Goren emphasized the importance of international intervention from nations like the United States, Egypt, and Qatar to help end the conflict.
Omer Wenkert, a former hostage, voiced frustration on social media about the return to hostilities. Romi Gonen, one of the earliest hostages freed during the ceasefire, recalled the fear of hearing bombings while in captivity. She urged the Israeli public to continue advocating for the hostages.
Sylvia Cunio, mother of two captive sons, criticized Israeli leaders for showing a lack of empathy. “This fighting needs to end. I want my sons home. If the prime minister wishes me dead, he might as well do it because I can’t endure this anymore,” she stated in a local radio interview.
Nimrodi remains anxious that renewed airstrikes could worsen conditions for the hostages, including her son. She fondly remembers Tamir as a humorous teenager passionate about subjects like geology and astronomy, often sharing a laugh over their mutual interests. Despite her fears, she’s resolute in her fight for his return.
“Please stay strong and survive,” she implored him, “so there’s a chance for us to reunite.”
