Washington DC – Following Hamas’ handover of four bodies of Israeli hostages, including Ohad Yahalomi, Tsahi Idan, Itzik Elgarat, and Shlomo Mantzur, J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami released the following statement:
“We share the pain and sadness of millions of Israelis amid today’s confirmation that Ohad Yahalomi, Tsahi Idan, and Itzik Elgarat were killed in captivity after being brutally abducted on October 7, 2023 and Shlomo Mantzur was murdered on October 7, his body held by Hamas until last night.
As we condemn their kidnapping and murder in the hands of terrorists, let us also hope that their families may experience some measure of peace by their return for burial. May their memory be a blessing.
We commend the mediators who engaged in intense dialogue to ensure that Hamas would release the bodies of the hostages without the grotesque ceremonies that we witnessed in prior handovers.
No family should have to endure the anguish of a loved one being held hostage, and the priority should remain the urgent return of all Israelis still held hostage in Gaza. That means doing what is necessary to urgently move toward Phase II of the ceasefire framework by extending the current break in major hostilities, facilitating massive humanitarian relief for the people of Gaza, securing continued hostage releases, and coming to an agreement on who governs Gaza after the war. If a Phase II agreement requires further negotiations, we support a temporary extension of Phase I to release more hostages and ensure that the fighting does not restart.
An agreement will only be possible if all parties abide by both the letter and spirit of the ceasefire framework. Actions which undermine the path to a full and permanent ceasefire — whether gruesome release spectacles or threats of annexation and mass displacement — must be avoided and condemned.”