Day 544 - Ex-hostages speak their minds about IDF in Gaza

Apr 2, 2025

Jacob Magid, US bureau chief for The Times of Israel, shares profound insights on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He highlights the brave voices of released hostages, including Amit Soussana, who advocate for negotiations and share their raw experiences. The rare protests in Gaza against Hamas signal a shift in public sentiment and defiance, despite the grave risks involved, with one young protester tragically killed. Magid emphasizes the importance of keeping these protests genuine to influence the ongoing hostage negotiations.

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INSIGHT

Hostages' Shared Concern

Released hostages are increasingly vocal about their concerns.
They disagree with the government's decision to intensify military pressure, mirroring public opinion.

ANECDOTE

Yarden Bibas's Interview

Yarden Bibas, another former hostage, expressed his views on 60 Minutes.
He stated that renewed fighting won't bring back the hostages and subtly criticized the government's approach.

ANECDOTE

Amit Soussana's Advocacy

Released hostage Amit Soussana used her International Women of Courage Award acceptance speech to advocate for the remaining hostages.
She highlighted the urgency of their situation and called for a return to negotiations.

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Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.

US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode.

Released hostage Amit Soussana is honored by the US State Department as a Woman of Courage and is the only one of eight women honored to speak at the event. Magid notes that she uses the platform to speak about the remaining hostages and the need to return to negotiations, something echoed by former hostage Yarden Bibas and his focus on US President Donald Trump in his CBS interview with "60 Minutes." Magid speaks about the freed hostages who feel comfortable making their opinions clear, and their concerns about the intensification of military pressure and the current impasse in hostage negotiations.

The spontaneous, sporadic protests in Gaza against Hamas are the first in years, according to Magid, as people take a huge risk calling for an end to war in Gaza. A 22-year-old protester was tortured and killed, says Magid, who follows several Palestinian activists on social media who are planning more protests in the coming days. Magid notes that it would be best if Israel did not comment on them, leaving the movement as real, genuine protests against Hamas that could help impact the terror group as it approaches the ongoing hostage talks.

This conversation can also be viewed here:

Please see today's ongoing liveblog for more updates.

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.

For further reading:

Ex-hostage Amit Soussana receives US’s International Woman of Courage Award

Yarden Bibas to 60 Minutes: Only Trump can convince Netanyahu, Hamas to renew ceasefire-hostage deal

Gazan man murdered by Hamas after joining protests against terror group, family says

Gazan clan executes alleged Hamas operative who killed one of their relatives

IMAGE: Former hostage Amit Soussana, left, holds her hands over her heart while being applauded after speaking during the International Women of Courage awards ceremony, next to Henriette Da, of Burkina Faso, Georgiana Pascu, of Romania, Major Velena Iga, of Papua New Guinea, and first lady Melania Trump, at the award ceremony, Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at the State Department in Washington. S (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

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