Hostage survivor Karina Engel-Bart, wife of fallen captive Ronen Engel, spoke at a statement in Kiryat Gat, saying: "Four days after we returned from captivity, we received notice that he was no longer with us. But for us to be at peace in our land, we need everyone to be home. I ask you to put yourself in our place for a second, understand what it means to lose everything in one moment." According to her, "I waited for something to change today at 06:29 in the morning, but nothing changed. It's time for the clock to move. It's time for everything to change. It's time to end this."