IN AND OUT OF A HEART WRENCHING CEASEFIRE

As the return of hostages between Israel and Hamas, dead and alive, is fraught with delay, smear jobs, and anger, the success of phase two becomes less and less likely.

By Jake

22 February 2025

The stage where Hamas presented the coffins of the Bibas family: mother Shiri (34 years old), son Ariel (4 years old), and son Kfir (9 months), ages from their capture on 10/7/2023. The coffins were reportedly locked with no keys provided, filled with Hamas propaganda materials, and the remains claimed to be of Shiri were identified as another person. (Credit to Imad/Shutterstock, 2025)

In late 2023, Hamas announced that Israel’s bombardment of Gaza had killed child hostages captured from the raid of October 7th. More than a year later, the reality of how they died after their capture is still, tragically, unknown. As the structured peace deal has progressed through its rounds of hostage exchanges, daily trauma and accusations have taken precedence over actual planning for the second phase or anything close to long-term peace. Hostages and bodies are tools for propaganda, and their exchange has become opportunities to strike political blows rather than the trust-building exercise that would assist future negotiations. In pure power politics, the hostages are valuable tools that either side would rather keep. Hamas remains in power, even gaining support in the West Bank. Netanyahu has ridden out the political storm of investigations into October 7th and has vast support from the new American president. Families continue to be displaced and to mourn lost family members, like the Bibas family robbed from receiving Shiri’s correct remains - an act of malevolent incompetence and targeted hate towards innocents.

The two sides don’t need to like each other, just to build a middle ground where further compromises can be worked out. The second phase was supposed to start on February 4, but has been delayed repeatedly.  Qatar, Egypt, and the United States will mediate. The stated goals set out in phase two include the release of all remaining 62 hostages in Gaza including Israeli soldiers, releasing more Palestinian prisoners from Israeli prisons, and the complete withdrawal of Israeli soldiers from Gaza and a permanent ceasefire. Netanyahu has stated that he will not budge on a postwar Gaza free of Hamas or Fatah leadership, which is difficult if it’s Hamas he’s negotiating with. Hamas is actively recruiting and making shows of strength in areas the IDF withdrew from. Warmongers are ready to use an issue like the Bibas hostage return to resume conflict, ending any need for compromise.

The situation is bleak, but there a diplomats whose names we'll never know working long hours to keep the ceasefire active. I'm grateful for their efforts. I’m also grateful to all of those in the server that have challenged my views on this conflict, and our board reiterates the need for peace built to last for the long term. This war cannot be allowed to ruin lives for another year. Our server plays a role, however small, in people engaging honestly about this issue and building the mutual respect that can give our grandchildren a better world. 

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