Israel urged to stand firm, reject Hamas pressure, and bring last hostage home before concessions.
On the eve of a crucial Security Cabinet session, the family of Israeli hostage Ran Gvili issued an emotional appeal to ministers, urging them not to reopen the Rafah Crossing while Hamas continues to hold their son captive.
“Do not surrender to Hamas terrorism,” the family wrote, warning that concessions made before the return of all hostages amount to capitulation. They stressed that any move to Phase Two must begin with the unconditional release of every Israeli held by Hamas, noting that the group remains armed and deceptive.
According to the family, reopening Rafah Crossing under these conditions sends the wrong message—rewarding terror while Israel’s last hostage is still imprisoned.
Speaking not as politicians but as parents, they pleaded with decision-makers to remember Rani. “Do not forget him. Do not skip over him. Do not leave him behind,” they wrote. “Israel must not forget its heroes.”
Their message to the government was unequivocal: bring Rani home first—only then discuss borders, phases, or crossings.
