The Hostages and Missing Families Forum urged US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff to apply pressure on Hamas to release the remaining 24 deceased hostages still held in the Gaza Strip in a letter published Tuesday.
They requested Witkoff "pull out every stop and leave no stone unturned in demanding that Hamas fulfill their end of the agreement and bring all the remaining hostages home," stating that Witkoff's previous visit and promises to "dig with [Witkoff's] own fingers to find our loved ones left behind" have been etched in the minds of the forum and will carry them "through the darkest moments."
The group began its letter by thanking Witkoff for meeting with them this past Saturday, describing his visit as "a historic moment" that "meant more than words can express."
"We are immensely grateful and overjoyed to see 20 of our loved ones back home, finally reuniting with the families who have fought tirelessly for their return for so long," the letter continues.
The forum then drew attention to the fact that only four of 28 deceased hostages were returned by Hamas on Monday, violating the 72-hour deadline that mandated the release of all hostages following the implementation of a ceasefire-hostage deal.
This is a developing story.