DeKalb GA News

Israeli hostages Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher have returned to Israel after over 470 days in captivity in Gaza. The release of these hostages coincides with a controversial deal involving the release of 90 individuals described as terrorists by Israeli authorities. This agreement has sparked significant debate within Israel and the United States.

Mike Waltz, incoming White House National Security Advisor, expressed relief at the hostages' return: “Relieved these three brave women are no longer suffering at the hands of Hamas terrorists in the tunnels below Gaza and are once again with their families. More to come.”

President Donald Trump commented on his communication with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the situation: “Just keep doing what you have to do. You have to have—this has to end. We want it to end, but to keep doing what has to be done,” he stated.

Hamas supporters in Gaza view this deal as a victory, despite not all hostages being freed and nearly 2000 prisoners released from Israeli jails. Caroline Glick, an Israeli-American journalist, criticized the U.S.'s approach: “If the U.S. wanted a deal, it could have had one that didn’t require these murderers to go free.”

Avi Abelow from Tel Aviv shared his perspective on the agreement: “The bottom line is that the release of terrorists who have murdered countless Jews—including the murderer of my dear friend Ari Fuld (may God avenge him)—is a moral outrage.” He argued that pressure should be applied on Qatar and Egypt instead of Israel.

Abelow also mentioned Steve Witkoff's role in negotiating this deal, describing it as contrary to Trump's doctrine of "peace through strength." He urged for changes in U.S. policy direction concerning Israel and its security.

Despite differing opinions on this hostage exchange agreement, Abelow emphasized resilience: "We will prevail...because that is the only way to ensure there is never again an Islaminazi terror entity in Gaza."