Israel and Hamas have reached a 42-day ceasefire agreement following 15 months of conflict, allowing for the release of 33 hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Families of the remaining captives, including two French citizens, express deep concern and uncertainty about their loved ones’ fates. The tragic October 7 assault by Hamas resulted in significant Israeli civilian casualties. Ofer Kalderon and Ohad Yahalomi remain in captivity, with their families anxiously awaiting news of their well-being.
Ceasefire Agreement Between Israel and Hamas
After enduring over 15 months of intense conflict, Israel and Hamas have come to a significant agreement on January 15, 2024, establishing a 42-day ceasefire. This truce includes the release of 33 hostages from the total of 98 still held in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Among those remaining captives, approximately sixty individuals are presumed alive, including two French citizens, Ofer Kalderon, aged 53, and Ohad Yahalomi, aged 50.
Hope and Uncertainty for Hostage Families
Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot expressed the deep concern felt by families, stating, “For far too many months, we have had no news of them except for the testimonies of those who returned from the hell of Gaza.” He voiced hopes for the safe return of the hostages but admitted, “I have no certainty” regarding their current status.
The tragic Hamas assault on October 7, 2023, resulted in over 1,200 fatalities, primarily civilians, on the Israeli side. Among the casualties were 48 French nationals, with eight taken hostage. Barrot emphasized France’s relentless efforts over the past 15 months to secure the release of these hostages, although it remains uncertain if they will be included in the initial wave of releases.
Ofer Kalderon, a devoted father of four, remains in captivity despite the release of his two children, Erez and Sahar, on November 27, 2023, as part of a temporary truce. His ex-wife, Hadas Jaoui-Kalderon, who narrowly escaped the chaos, conveyed her anguish during a recent interview, stating, “Don’t ask me if Ofer is alive, I don’t know.” She shared a haunting message she sent him during the attack, recounting their desperate escape.
Described as a loving father, Ofer was reportedly seen alive by a former hostage, Yocheved Lifshitz, who claims to have spotted him in the early days of his captivity.
Ohad Yahalomi, also taken during the attack, is a father of three. He was abducted alongside his son Eitan, who was released at the end of November 2023. His wife, Bat Sheva, recounted the traumatic moment of their capture, revealing that Ohad was injured during the raid. Since that fateful day, his family has received no confirmation of his well-being, leaving them in a state of constant worry and uncertainty.