Relatives Demand Action: Hostages in Gaza Crisis
Relatives of Israelis held hostage by Hamas in Gaza have taken a bold step, storming a parliamentary committee session in Jerusalem. Their purpose was clear – to demand lawmakers to take more decisive actions to secure the release of their loved ones.
This impassioned act, executed by around 20 relatives on Monday, underscores the increasing frustration over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s refusal to engage in a deal with the Palestinian group. This unfolds against the backdrop of the Gaza war, now stretching into its fourth month.
During the committee session, one woman held up pictures of three family members, part of the 253 individuals captured during the cross-border Hamas rampage on October 7. This incident triggered a large-scale Israeli operation in the region. While approximately 100 hostages were released in November during a week-long truce, around 130 individuals remain captive in Gaza.
The emotional plea of a woman protester, “Just one I’d like to get back alive, one out of three!” echoed through the committee discussion. Clad in black T-shirts, other protesters displayed signs with messages like “You will not sit here while they die there,” accompanied by chants urging immediate release.
The ongoing mediation efforts by the US, Qatar, and Egypt appear insufficient to reconcile the conflicting parties. Netanyahu remains resolute, asserting that Israel will persist in its campaign until Hamas is dismantled. In return, Hamas demands Israel’s withdrawal and the release of thousands of Palestinians from its prisons for the freedom of Israeli captives.
The fate of the hostages, with Tel Aviv reporting 27 deaths in captivity, has captivated Israel. However, concerns arise among relatives that war fatigue might diminish public focus. Initially unifying, demonstrations have grown more assertive.
During the committee session, parliament ushers, often swift to handle disruptions, stood by as the protest unfolded. Panel chairman Moshe Gafni, from Netanyahu’s coalition, sought to address the urgency of preserving life but emphasized that quitting the coalition would not yield results.
The families’ anger extends beyond official buildings. Supporters rallied near Netanyahu’s residence in West Jerusalem, appealing to the government to engage in negotiations for an agreement that suits Israel.
Parents like Gilad Korenbloom and Jon Polin expressed their expectations for the government to play an active role, propose agreements, and ensure the safe return of the remaining hostages.
Demonstrators, camping outside Netanyahu’s residence and the Knesset building, amplify their calls for a unilateral end to the war or an election that could change the trajectory of the hard-right government.
On Sunday, Netanyahu rejected Hamas’ conditions for ending the war, including Israel’s complete withdrawal and allowing Hamas to remain in power in Gaza. Subsequently, the Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum demanded that Netanyahu “clearly state that we will not abandon civilians, soldiers, and others kidnapped in the October debacle.”
“If the prime minister decides to sacrifice the hostages, he should show leadership and honestly share his position with the Israeli public,” the forum stated unequivocally.