Mother of Israeli hostage begs Trump, Netanyahu to bring son home before ceasefire collapses: ‘No more time’

A Mother’s Desperate Plea for Her Son’s Release

Idit Ohel, the mother of Israeli hostage Alon Ohel, has issued a heartfelt and urgent appeal to world leaders to secure the release of her son and other captives held by Hamas. Her plea comes as the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas teeters on the brink of collapse, raising fears of renewed violence that could endanger the lives of the remaining hostages. Speaking to Fox News Digital, Idit Ohel expressed her deep anxiety, stating, "They have no more time. And please don’t go back to war. Please. Because if that happens, if we go back to war, the hostages could die. The hostages that are alive could die." Her words underscore the desperation and fear that have gripped the families of the hostages since the outbreak of hostilities on October 7, 2023.

Idit Ohel’s plea is not just a cry for help; it is a testament to the enduring strength of a mother’s love and her unwavering determination to save her child. She has been a vocal advocate for the release of all hostages, emphasizing the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. Her voice, trembling with emotion, carries the weight of a mother who has spent nearly 500 days living in torment, unsure of her son’s fate. "That’s what happened last time," she recalled, referencing past conflicts where hostages were killed or harmed after fighting resumed. "So we cannot let this happen. Please do everything in your power and do something for my son. He’s in the tunnels. He’s crying for help."

Her appeal is directed not only to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu but also to former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has been actively involved in mediating the crisis. Idit Ohel’s words are a poignant reminder of the human cost of the conflict and the urgent need for international intervention to prevent further tragedy.

The Dire Conditions of Captivity and the Humanitarian Crisis

The conditions under which Alon Ohel and other hostages are being held are nothing short of horrific. Idit Ohel revealed that her son has been subjected to torture, starvation, and inhumane treatment during his nearly 17 months in captivity. "My son is being held in tunnels without medical attention and little food," she said, her voice cracking with despair. "He’s been tortured, chained, and starved. It’s not humane. There’s so much food getting into Gaza, and he’s not getting any of it."

Alon Ohel’s plight is a stark illustration of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. The young civilian, who was attending the Nova music festival when he was taken hostage, has been forced to endure unimaginable suffering. Idit Ohel shared that her son was struck by shrapnel during the initial attack and has been unable to see out of one eye. Despite his injuries, he has been denied medical care, and his physical and mental health continue to deteriorate. "He’s fighting for his life every day," she said, emphasizing the gravity of his situation.

The release of three hostages, including Eli Sharabi and Or Levy, provided Idit Ohel with a glimmer of hope. The two men, who were held with Alon Ohel for part of their captivity, confirmed that he is still alive. However, their accounts of his condition have only deepened her concerns. "Alon has these genes," she said, referencing her family’s history of resilience and survival. "He’s fighting. He’s fighting for his life every day." Yet, the dire conditions of his captivity threaten to extinguish that fight, and time is running out.

The Historical Context and Emotional Toll on the Family

The Ohel family’s story is one of resilience and tragedy, spanning generations. Idit Ohel shared that her son’s ancestors survived the Holocaust, including his great-grandfather, who weighed just 30 kilograms when he was liberated from Auschwitz. "So if he was alive today, he would probably die instantly just knowing that his great-grandson in the year of 2025 is starving," she said, her words heavy with emotion. The historical context of her family’s suffering adds depth to the current crisis, as Alon Ohel’s fate serves as a grim reminder of the cyclical nature of violence and persecution.

For Idit Ohel, her son’s captivity has been an emotional rollercoaster. She has spent countless days and nights worrying about his well-being, her anxiety compounded by the lack of communication and the uncertain fate of the hostages. "I wanted to say happy birthday to my son. I couldn’t even talk [to him] and see and hear his voice," she said, her voice breaking as she recalled celebrating his 24th birthday without him. "When I heard about his condition, I fainted … I haven’t been sleeping for days … I cannot control what Hamas is doing to my son."

The emotional toll on the Ohel family is immeasurable. Idit Ohel’s determination to keep her son’s story in the public eye is driven by a deep love and a refusal to let his voice be silenced. "Every mother in this world. Think just for a second. If there’s one night that your son or daughter doesn’t eat, you can’t even live with yourself," she said, her words resonating with parents around the world. "My son has not been getting food for 494 days."

The Frantic Diplomatic Efforts to Save the Hostages

As the ceasefire teeters on the brink of collapse, international leaders are scrambling to prevent a resurgence of violence that could seal the fate of the remaining hostages. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has taken a firm stance, demanding that Hamas release all 76 hostages by noon on Saturday or face the consequences. "Hamas must release all remaining 76 hostages by noon Saturday, or he would demand the ceasefire deal be canceled and ‘let all hell break out,’" Trump declared. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has backed Trump’s ultimatum, signaling a united front in the face of Hamas’s intransigence.

The diplomatic efforts to save the hostages have reached a fever pitch. Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, is set to embark on a critical mission to Israel and Qatar this week, aimed at stabilizing the ceasefire and securing the release of the hostages. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is also expected to arrive in Israel on Saturday, further underscoring the urgency of the situation. These high-stakes diplomatic maneuvers highlight the international community’s recognition of the gravity of the crisis and the need for immediate action.

Yet, despite these efforts, the situation remains precarious. Hamas’s decision to renege on its commitment to release three additional hostages by next Saturday has raised fears that the ceasefire is on the verge of unraveling. The militant group has accused Israel of violating the terms of the agreement, a claim that Israel has vehemently denied. As tensions escalate, the window for diplomacy is rapidly closing, leaving the families of the hostages on edge.

The Failure of Humanitarian Aid in Gaza and the ICRC’s Absence

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has been further compounded by the failure of aid to reach those in need, including the hostages. Idit Ohel has repeatedly emphasized that her son and other captives have been denied access to basic necessities, including food and medical care. "There’s so much food getting into Gaza, and he’s not getting any of it," she said, her frustration palpable. The lack of humanitarian aid reaching the hostages has only exacerbated their suffering, raising questions about the effectiveness of international aid efforts in conflict zones.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which is tasked with monitoring the treatment of prisoners of war and ensuring access to humanitarian aid, has come under scrutiny for its apparent absence in this crisis. Idit Ohel revealed that the ICRC has never seen her son or the other hostages, nor has it provided them with any form of treatment or support. "Where is he? Why is he not coming?" she asked, her words laced with despair and confusion. The ICRC’s failure to engage with the hostages has left their families feeling abandoned and betrayed, further deepening the sense of hopelessness.

The situation has prompted broader questions about the effectiveness of humanitarian aid in conflict zones and the ability of international organizations to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes. The fact that Alon Ohel and other hostages have been denied access to basic human rights, despite the presence of humanitarian aid in Gaza, is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by aid organizations in reaching those in need.

A Global Call to Action for Alon’s Release

As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, Idit Ohel has issued a global call to action, urging people around the world to stand in solidarity with the hostages and their families. Her message is one of hope and resilience, as she rallies support for her son’s release. "If you’re listening to me, you know I love you and your father loves you," she said, addressing her son directly. "And we’re doing everything in our power to make sure that you’re home alive. You’re coming home. And there’s so many people all over the world and in Israel that are with you and are praying for you."

Idit Ohel’s call to action has resonated far beyond Israel’s borders. Thousands of people gathered in Tel Aviv over the weekend to mark Alon Ohel’s 24th birthday, a powerful display of solidarity and support for the hostages. The rally served as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the conflict and the importance of keeping the hostages’ stories in the public eye. "I wanted to say happy birthday to my son. I couldn’t even talk [to him] and see and hear his voice," Idit Ohel said, her voice heavy with emotion. "When I heard about his condition, I fainted … I haven’t been sleeping for days … I cannot control what Hamas is doing to my son."

In a final appeal, Idit Ohel urged musicians around the world to play songs in honor of her son, a talented pianist who was attending the Nova music festival when he was taken hostage. "And you are not alone, Alon. You are not alone," she said, her words a testament to the enduring power of love and hope in the face of adversity. As the world waits with bated breath for news of the hostages, Idit Ohel’s plea serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of compassion, solidarity, and action in the face of unspeakable suffering. The time to act is now, and the world must come together to ensure that Alon Ohel and the other hostages are brought home alive.