SAZF: Israel’s Commitment to Securing Hostage Return Evident in Gaza Ceasefire
Johannesburg – The South African Zionist Federation (SAZF) has recognized the “significant seriousness and ethical intricacies” of the newly reached ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
“Approved by Israel’s cabinet and security sectors – including the IDF, Mossad, and Shabak – this agreement highlights Israel’s remarkable dedication to repatriating its citizens,” said Rolene Marks, spokesperson for the South African Zionist Federation (SAZF).
“‘Nonetheless, it remains a difficult compromise, one that illustrates both Israel’s fortitude and its deep moral fabric in the face of unimaginable evil.
“Israel’s unwavering efforts to secure the release of 33 hostages during the initial phase of the agreement – including children, women, elderly men over 50, female soldiers, and those who are sick and wounded (with over 20 believed to be alive) reflect the Jewish principle that life is the highest value.”
However, Marks expressed that the situation of the 65 hostages still in captivity – victims of Hamas’s brutal attacks and ongoing inhumanity – casts a shadow over this moment of hope.
“Their persistent suffering at the hands of terrorists who displayed no humanity during their violent onslaught on October 7th is an unbearable ethical burden that Israel cannot and will not tolerate,” remarked Marks.
“This agreement symbolizes one of the most agonizing decisions Israel has had to make in recent history.
“Yet, it demonstrates the strength of Israeli society – united in its determination to bring our people home, regardless of the price.”
“While the return of our loved ones brings immense relief, the knowledge that so many remain in the clutches of these murderous terrorists weighs heavily on every Israeli soul. Israel stands united in declaring: it will not rest until every last captive is returned home.”
Marks stated that, guided by the highest tenet in Jewish tradition – the sanctity of human life – this decision resonates with the ancient proverb: “Whoever saves a life, saves an entire world” (Sanhedrin 37a).
Ironically, more than 45,000 Palestinians – predominantly women and children – have lost their lives in retaliatory actions by the Israeli Defence Force, with double that number injured in the relentless bombings.
South Africa has accused Israel of genocide in proceedings before the International Court of Justice.
After 15 months of devastation, Israel’s genocidal campaign against Gaza is set to conclude on Sunday, (19 January 2025).
The ceasefire will unfold in three phases.
Phase 1 spans six weeks: Israeli bombardments will cease, and Israeli occupation forces will withdraw from the principal towns and urban areas.
Thirty Israeli hostages will be released, and 93 Palestinian prisoners/hostages will be sent back home.
The subsequent two phases will extend the ceasefire and ensure the complete withdrawal of all Israeli occupation forces from Gaza – initiating the reconstruction of the area.
Just hours after Hamas and Israel declared that they had reached a ceasefire agreement, Aljazeera reported that Israeli forces killed a minimum of 82 individuals in Gaza.
The death count – starting from dawn on Wednesday, (15 January 2025) – is expected to rise as displaced Palestinians return to their tents after briefly celebrating the announcement of the ceasefire deal reached between Israel and Hamas.
Nevertheless, a SAZF statement issued on Friday, (17 January 2025), asserted that there can be no moral equivalence between innocent hostages and terrorists.
“The release of Palestinian terrorists, convicted of heinous actions against innocent Israeli civilians, is a challenging concession to accept,” Marks stated.
“There exists no moral equivalence between innocent hostages – abducted from their homes, schools, and streets simply for being Jewish – and terrorists who deliberately targeted men, women, and children with malicious intent.
“The willingness of Israel to make such painful compromises demonstrates not frailty, but the profound strength of a society that stands united in safeguarding its own.
“However, let there be no misunderstanding – this is a temporary measure. Hamas’s horrific actions on October 7th and their ongoing retention of innocent hostages unveil their true nature as a terrorist organization stripped of any compassion.
“Israel will persist in defending its citizens with unwavering resolve.”