“The only operation Israel should be focused on now is rescuing the hostages,” Ohel told Ynetnews.
Alon Ohel remains in captivity, reportedly severely wounded and losing his eyesight while living under harsh conditions in a tunnel about 40 meters underground. “We’ve already seen videos showing what they are going through,” Kobi Ohel said.
Earlier this week, the family called for a national referendum on a potential agreement. Ohel reiterated the demand, saying a majority of Israelis support a deal. “If the Israeli government struggles to make the decision, then hold a referendum. It’s a democratic tool to consider what the people want,” he said.
Ohel also addressed the cancellation of a planned second nationwide protest on Sunday, explaining that event schedules often shift. “We constantly organize events in parallel. There’s nothing specific behind this,” he said.
Returning to his central message, Ohel said, “I want to believe with great hope that if there is a chance for a deal—and I know there is—this is the only way to save Alon and the other hostages. I have been living in anxiety for over 680 days. I demand one thing: save the lives of Alon and the hostages and bring them home.”
He added emotionally, “I want to feel Alon’s hug again. I want to see his smile. Alon is a young man with plans for the future and he will fulfill them.”
Hamas response and Israeli consultations
Earlier this week, the Prime Minister’s Office outlined Israel’s five principles for ending the war: disarm Hamas, return all hostages, demilitarize the Gaza Strip, maintain Israeli security control in Gaza and establish an alternative civilian administration that is neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority.
