Relatives of Hamas hostages in the Gaza Strip appealed to the government of Israel today to accept the agreement which will allow their release, warning that time is running out.

Negotiations are currently underway, mediated by the US, Qatar and Egypt, to reach a ceasefire agreement that would see the release of Hamas hostages and Palestinians held in Israeli prisons, however, earlier in a press conference given by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu rejected Hamas’ proposal for a ceasefire and the release of hostages.

“I don’t believe Israel has any other choice,” Sharon Lifsitz said at a press conference in London. Her parents were kidnapped in the unprecedented attack launched by Hamas on October 7. Her mother, Yoheved, was released in October, but her 83-year-old father, Oded, remains a hostage in the Gaza Strip. Yohved emphasized that Israel “he has a duty to bring back his citizens” and “he has to do whatever it takes to achieve that”. “We need an agreement now,” he stressed. Otherwise, he said, “many hostages will not survive.” for a long time yet.

During the brief truce at the end of November, Hamas released 105 hostages. Israel estimates that 132 others remain in the Gaza Strip, but 29 of them have lost their lives.

Steve Brisley’s sister Liane Sarabi was killed along with her two daughters in the attack on Kibbutz Beeri. His son-in-law, Eli Sharabi, remains a Hamas hostage, while another relative of his, Yossi Sharabi, died during his captivity.

During his presentation at today’s press conference, Steve Brisley emphasized that “everything possible must be done” in order for the hostages to return safely to their homes. He warned that “time is up” and that the price of failure is obvious