Melissa Chrise

“We will struggle with that failure for the rest of our lives. But today we celebrate the impending reunifications of the 98 remaining hostages with their loved ones with whom we have been tirelessly advocating and so many of whom have become like family to us during this 467 day struggle.” 6/6

“Our beloved son Hersh and so many other innocent civilians should have been saved long ago by a deal like this one, especially since the framework for today’s deal has been in place since May 2024.“ 5/6

“It is imperative that this process is completed and all 98 hostages are returned to their families. It is also time for the innocent civilians of Gaza to be relieved of the suffering they have endured since the Hamas massacre in Israel on 10/7/23. They also need to begin the recovery process.” 4/6

“All of Israel needs to begin a national healing process that can only truly start when all the hostages have been brought home. We view this agreement as only the beginning of the end, not the end itself.” 3/6

“This is an opportunity to bring home 98 cherished hostages who have been held in captivity for far too long, the living to begin a challenging physical and mental rehabilitation process and the deceased for respectful and proper burial.” 2/6

Statement from Rachel Goldberg-Polin and Jon Polin, parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an American hostage killed by Hamas:

“We welcome today’s announcement of a hostage and ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, brokered by the United States, Egypt and Qatar.” 1/5