The release of the first group of Israeli women and children held hostage by Hamas can be attributed, in part, to a vigorous campaign led by their families. Initially, the Israeli government, focused on the destruction of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, did not prioritize the hostages. It took two weeks for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to explicitly state the goal of bringing the hostages home.

Family members, notably Avichai Brodutch, whose family was abducted, played a pivotal role. Brodutch stood alone outside the Defense Ministry with a sign, sparking public attention. Lawyer Dudi Zalmanovich and PR expert Ronen Zur established the "Hostages and Missing Families Forum," collecting information and garnering support from former security chiefs, celebrities, and directors.

A 'hostage square' was set up opposite the government meeting place, and tables with 240 empty places were arranged for a symbolic Shabbat meal. Billboards featuring hostage photos appeared globally, including in Times Square. The families turned to international pressure, with delegations sent to Greece, the US, Canada, Belgium, and Germany.

The focus shifted from solely defeating Hamas to prioritizing the hostages, and the families' efforts may have influenced this change. The hostages, primarily women and children, were taken during Hamas' border breach and subsequent attacks.

Israel's strategy involved military pressure to force Hamas to release hostages, intertwining the war's two goals. The conflict resulted in over 13,000 Gazan casualties and significant infrastructure damage in Gaza. Israel attributes the toll to Hamas operating among civilians.

In a recent development, Israel is releasing 50 hostages in exchange for humanitarian aid and the release of 150 Palestinian women and minors. The truce can extend for each additional 10 hostages released by Hamas. Some suggest releasing all Palestinian prisoners, but this is unlikely, given past repercussions.

The head of Hamas in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, was released in a previous exchange and is considered the mastermind of the Oct. 7 massacre, adding complexity to potential future negotiations.

The release of the first group of Israeli women and children held hostage by Hamas can be attributed, in part, to a vigorous campaign led by their families. Initially, the Israeli government, focused on the destruction of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, did not prioritize the hostages. It took two weeks for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to explicitly state the goal of bringing the hostages home.

Family members, notably Avichai Brodutch, whose family was abducted, played a pivotal role. Brodutch stood alone outside the Defense Ministry with a sign, sparking public attention. Lawyer Dudi Zalmanovich and PR expert Ronen Zur established the "Hostages and Missing Families Forum," collecting information and garnering support from former security chiefs, celebrities, and directors.

A 'hostage square' was set up opposite the government meeting place, and tables with 240 empty places were arranged for a symbolic Shabbat meal. Billboards featuring hostage photos appeared globally, including in Times Square. The families turned to international pressure, with delegations sent to Greece, the US, Canada, Belgium, and Germany.

The focus shifted from solely defeating Hamas to prioritizing the hostages, and the families' efforts may have influenced this change. The hostages, primarily women and children, were taken during Hamas' border breach and subsequent attacks.

Israel's strategy involved military pressure to force Hamas to release hostages, intertwining the war's two goals. The conflict resulted in over 13,000 Gazan casualties and significant infrastructure damage in Gaza. Israel attributes the toll to Hamas operating among civilians.

In a recent development, Israel is releasing 50 hostages in exchange for humanitarian aid and the release of 150 Palestinian women and minors. The truce can extend for each additional 10 hostages released by Hamas. Some suggest releasing all Palestinian prisoners, but this is unlikely, given past repercussions.

The head of Hamas in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, was released in a previous exchange and is considered the mastermind of the Oct. 7 massacre, adding complexity to potential future negotiations.