Israel’s Foreign Ministry has named the 13 Israeli captives who were released:
– Elkana Bohbot, 36
– Rom Braslavski, 21
– Nimrod Cohen, 20
– Ariel Cunio, 28
– David Cunio, 35
– Evyatar David, 24
– Maxim Herkin, 37
– Eitan Horn, 38
– Segev Kalfon, 27
– Bar Kupershtein, 23
– Yosef Haim Ohana, 25
– Avinatan Or, 32
– Matan Zangauker, 25
“The decision has been made,” Amit Sega, chief political analyst with Channel 12, quoted an unnamed senior official in Netanyahu’s office as saying.
“Hamas won’t release more hostages without total surrender, and we won’t surrender. If we don’t act now, the hostages will starve to death and Gaza will remain under Hamas’s control.”
(August 4, 2025)
“The horror videos by Hamas stem from one goal – their attempt to pressure the State of Israel,” said Itmar Ben Gvir, the right-wing firebrand, in remarks made during a controversial visit to the Temple Mount, sacred for both Jews and Muslims, at the weekend.
“It is from here that a message must be sent: to conquer the entire Gaza Strip, declare sovereignty over all of Gaza, eliminate every Hamas member, and encourage voluntary emigration. Only in this way will we bring back the hostages and win the war,” Ben Gvir added.