Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke today (Thursday) with the parents of Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbruck, who were released from Hamas captivity on Sunday as part of the first phase of the hostage deal between Israel and Hamas.
The Prime Minister said that "I promised you that we would do everything to bring back the girls - and we brought them back. We do not give up on anyone. All citizens of Israel embrace you."
According to the Prime Minister's office, the parents of the hostages - Simona and Roni Steinbruck, Amanda Damari, Eitan Gonen, and Merav Leshem Gonen - sought to thank Prime Minister Netanyahu for the courage he showed when he approved the framework for releasing the hostages, and through his actions, he fulfilled the value of mutual responsibility of the Israeli people.
The families also asked to give support to and thank the IDF and security forces for their part in returning the girls and in future releases of the hostages.
The families reportedly also described the condition of the girls in captivity to the Prime Minister, including the constant danger to their lives and the inhumane conditions. They told him that the girls are going through a process of rehabilitation and healing, and that they can see the deep resilience of daughters of the Jewish people.
They then told Netanyahu that the girls are requesting in the strongest terms not to stop until all hostages are returned, and this is what will give them and the Israeli people strength and healing.
Additionally, the families asked to convey a special thanks to the Prime Minister's wife, Sara Netanyahu, for her assistance in returning the hostages.
The Prime Minister remained non-committal on the hostage deal but did tell the families that he is happy and blesses the return of the girls, and that he is committed to bringing all hostages home. He also noted that his wife Sara is deeply involved and works extensively for the hostages, and that the issue is very important to her heart.
Netanyahu updated the families that he had earlier spoken with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, among other things, about the hostage issue.
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