Mother of Israeli Hostage Urges Global Leaders to Act as Ceasefire Teeters

Idit Ohel, a mother desperate to bring her son home, has made an urgent appeal for action from President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid escalating tensions surrounding the ongoing hostage crisis involving Hamas. She fears that the current ceasefire may collapse, leaving many captives, including her son Alon Ohel, vulnerable to dire consequences.

During an interview, Ohel expressed her anxiety, stating, “They have no more time. Please don’t go back to war. Because if that happens, if we go back to war, the hostages could die. Those who are alive could die.” Her warning is grounded in the tragic past, where hostages were murdered after renewed conflict broke out in previous situations.

Alon Ohel, who has been a hostage for nearly 500 days since the attack on the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023, is reportedly alive, according to two released hostages, Eli Sharabi and Or Levy. Ohel endured a terrifying experience as Hamas attacked the festival. He took refuge in a bomb shelter that was subsequently bombarded by rockets and gunfire—resulting in severe injuries.

The Impact of War on Hostages

Ohel recounted harrowing details shared with her by the freed hostages, revealing that her son has lost vision in one eye due to shrapnel. His condition has deteriorated in captivity, described as being chained, starved, and tortured in the tunnels where Hamas keeps him confined.

“It’s unbearable. Something has to change,” she continued. “You have to do everything in your power to bring him home to me, to his family.” Ohel’s heartfelt plea underscores the humanitarian crisis surrounding the captives that stretches beyond mere statistics.

The Context of the Ceasefire

Plans for the release of additional hostages under the ceasefire agreement seem increasingly precarious—Hamas recently asserted that it would not release three more hostages due to claimed violations of the terms by Israel. Trump’s recent ultimatum demanded the release of the remaining 76 hostages by noon Saturday, warning that failure to comply would lead to the cancellation of the ceasefire.

Adding to the tension, reports suggest that Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, is heading to Israel and Qatar this week in an effort to preserve the fragile ceasefire. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is also expected in Israel soon, underlining the urgency of the situation.

A Family’s Painful Vigil

Idit Ohel’s anguish extends beyond her immediate family—the history of her son’s lineage adds weight to her emotional turmoil. She noted that Alon’s ancestors survived the Holocaust, and she expressed concern that they would be devastated to see their great-grandson suffering in captivity. “Alon has these genes. So he’s fighting. He’s fighting for his life every day,” she lamented.

Since the ceasefire was brokered, the humanitarian situation has remained troubling. Ohel emphasized the lack of basic medical care and nutrition for her son, stressing that many resources enter Gaza while her son remains deprived. “It’s not humane. There’s so much food getting into Gaza, and he’s not getting any of it,” she stated.

A Call to Action

Idit Ohel’s cry for assistance culminated in a powerful message directed at both Trump and Netanyahu. “Do something and bring them home. Please. Please.” Her steady insistence on the need for an urgent resolution to the situation reflects the overarching humanitarian demands of the hostages’ families.

Moreover, after the ceasefire was instituted prior to Trump’s presidency, former President Biden acknowledged the importance of humanitarian assistance to Gaza as part of the agreement. However, Ohel’s claims highlight that her son and others like him have not benefited from these promised resources. She raised concerns about the International Committee of the Red Cross, stating they have not seen Alon or provided any medical treatment for the hostages.

A Mother’s Resilience

On what would have been Alon Ohel’s 24th birthday, Idit shared her tribulations during a large public gathering in Tel Aviv. Thousands gathered to heed her desperate message, as she reflected on what the day meant amid her son’s ongoing captivity. “I wanted to say happy birthday to my son, but I couldn’t even talk to him or hear his voice,” she recalled emotionally.

Her sentiments resonated deeply as she articulated a universal mother’s bond. “Every mother in this world can relate to how I feel. If your child goes without food, you can’t live with yourself.” Ohel underscored the dire state of her son, who has not received food for over 490 days.

In her moving message, she spoke directly to Alon, assuring him of her love and the resolve of his family to fight for his safe return. “You’re coming home. You’re not alone. So many people worldwide are praying for you,” she affirmed, invoking hope despite the grim circumstances.

Reflections on Hope and Humanity

In the midst of heart-wrenching despair, Idit Ohel stands as a symbol of resilience. Her unwavering commitment to advocating for her son and all hostages resonates with countless individuals globally. As the world watches, her plea transcends borders, urging both governments and humanitarian organizations to act urgently to secure the release of innocent lives caught in the conflict.