Statement From the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Response to President Trump’s 2/4/25 Gaza Proposal

February 5, 2025

As a global Jewish human rights organization, we remain steadfast in our focus: 79 hostages—including Israeli, American, and citizens of other countries—are still being held captive in Gaza, deprived of their fundamental rights and dignity. The world must not look away or be distracted.

A ceasefire deal is already in motion and must be fully implemented. The international community must demand that Phase One be completed and negotiations for Phase Two move forward immediately to secure the release of every hostage.

Discussions about Gaza’s future are essential, but the most urgent human rights crisis right now is the freedom of these innocent captives. Any and all international assistance that can help bring them home must be prioritized.

Our unwavering prayers continue for the safe return of hostages, for the dignified burials of the souls who’ve perished, and for a decisive end to this war’s relentless suffering.

The time for action is now. No deal is complete until every hostage is free.

For further information, please email Erik Simon at esimon@wiesenthal.com, Deborah Camiel at dcamiel@wiesenthal.com, join the Center on Facebook, or follow @simonwiesenthal for news updates sent directly to your Twitter feed. 

The Simon Wiesenthal Center is an international Jewish human rights organization. It holds consultative status at the United Nations, UNESCO, the OSCE, the Council of Europe, the OAS, and the Latin American Parliament (PARLATINO).