A Nation Mourns, a Ceasefire Hangs in the Balance

Israelis gathered on Friday to bury Tsachi Idan, one of the final hostages released in the first phase of the ceasefire between Hamas militants and Israel. The funeral procession began at a Tel Aviv football stadium, a poignant tribute to Idan's passion for the sport, before proceeding to the cemetery for a private ceremony.

Idan, 49, was abducted by Hamas militants during the October 7, 2023 attack that left 1,200 dead in Israel and sparked the war in Gaza. His body was one of four released by Hamas in exchange for over 600 Palestinian prisoners, the last planned swap of the ceasefire's first phase.

His family's ordeal was particularly harrowing. His eldest daughter, Maayan, was killed as militants shot through the door of their saferoom. Hamas militants broadcast themselves on Facebook live holding the Idan family hostage in their home, as his two younger children pleaded for their release.

"My brother is the real hero. He held on," said Idan's sister, Noam Idan ben Ezra. She expressed frustration that he had been "a pace away" from release during a brief ceasefire in November 2023, only for the deal to fall through.

With the first phase of the ceasefire set to end Saturday, relatives of the remaining hostages are pressuring Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure their loved ones' release. Concerns are growing about the welfare of those still alive, particularly after three released hostages appeared emaciated and described harrowing conditions of captivity.

Meanwhile, officials from Israel, Qatar, and the United States have begun "intensive discussions" on the ceasefire's second phase in Cairo. The agreement calls for these talks to bring an end to the war, with the return of all remaining hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli troops.

Hamas has reaffirmed its commitment to the agreement and called on the international community to pressure Israel to proceed to the second phase without delay. However, they have rejected an Israeli proposal to extend the first phase, arguing it goes against the ceasefire agreement.

The coming days are critical, as both sides must fulfill their commitments to achieve a lasting ceasefire and end the suffering of the people in Gaza.