Freed Hostages from Gaza Urge Pope Francis to Advocate for Remaining Captives

A group of former hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, along with their families, met with Pope Francis on Thursday. They expressed hope for cooperation between the US administrations to secure the release of those still captive. Among the freed hostages was Yelena Troufanov, whose son Sasha remains in Gaza. A recent video released by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group showed Sasha's changed condition.

Yelena Troufanov shared her concerns about her son's well-being during a news conference in Rome. "You see in the picture how my child has changed over the course of this year," she stated. "I am very worried about his condition, I see that he is not in a good mental state and not in a good physical state." The delegation urged for a deal to bring the remaining hostages home, especially with winter approaching.

Hostage Situation and International Response

The conflict began when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in 1,200 deaths and 250 kidnappings. Many hostages are still held in Gaza. Israel's subsequent military actions have led to over 43,000 deaths, according to Gaza health officials. These figures include both civilians and fighters, with more than half being women and children.

The ongoing war has caused a humanitarian crisis in Gaza and increased Israel's international isolation. Two world courts are investigating potential war crimes. The situation has also sparked protests on American campuses, fueling debates about the US's role as Israel's key military and diplomatic ally.

Calls for Cooperation Between US Administrations

Sharone Lifshitz, who accompanied her mother Yocheved Lifshitz to meet Pope Francis, expressed hope for cooperation between the incoming Trump administration and outgoing Biden administration. "We hope that with the election of Trump, together with Biden — this is not about left and right — we hope that Biden and Trump work together now to get the hostages back before the winter," she said.

Yocheved Lifshitz was released on October 23, 2023, but her husband Oded remains captive in Gaza. Sharone Lifshitz thanked Pope Francis for meeting with them and mentioned that he promised to pray for each hostage still held.

Pope Francis' Role and Statements

Pope Francis has been vocal about the conflict, calling for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages. He has also advocated for humanitarian aid to reach Gaza. While trying to maintain balance in his statements regarding the Hamas attack and Israeli response, he has suggested that Israel's actions may be disproportionate and immoral.

The Pope regularly contacts a Catholic parish in Gaza to check on those it shelters. He has met twice with relatives of hostages and once with Palestinians affected by Israeli operations in Gaza.

Personal Accounts from Former Hostages

Louis Har, an Argentine-Israeli freed during an Israeli army raid last February, shared his emotional experience at a press conference in Rome. He never imagined meeting the Argentine pope and was moved by his sincerity and care. Har presented Pope Francis with a necklace symbolising hope.

"I felt his sincerity, his care, and that we didn't come in vain," Har said. "There is someone listening to us. I hope that his prayers and his message will reach the whole world because he has an impact on the whole world."

Israel reports that Hamas holds around 65 hostages and retains the remains of approximately 35 others who were either killed on October 7 or died while captive.