The Simon Wiesenthal Center (SWC) issued a statement in response to the Israel-Hamas hostage deal welcoming the release of dozens of hostages but warning of danger in the four-day pause in the fighting.
“Like all Israelis and Jews the world over, the Simon Wiesenthal Center is relieved that the first of the innocent hostages are being released by the Hamas terrorist organization in exchange for a five-day ceasefire. If initial reports play out, we pray for the safety of all surviving hostages," the statement reads.
The Wiesenthal Center warned that "tragically, this deal provides Hamas with a temporary, limited lifeline. This terrorist group must be removed permanently if there is to be any hope for peace in the Holy Land."
"Finally, it is important to note that the international community, led by the United Nations, including agencies that are supposedly devoted to the well-being, safety and rights of women and children, have failed to do anything to try to help the hostages for 6 weeks," the organization stated
"We hope and pray that reports that the International Red Cross will now be able to visit with all the remaining hostages and provide them medicine turns out to be true."