Family members of three hostages say that Israel should not agree to a deal with Hamas before the Israeli military has achieved its objectives in the war.
That puts them at odds with the Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum, the main alliance of hostages’ families, which has forcefully urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to give priority to the captives’ release.
His comments are a reflection of the emotionally charged debate in Israel around the fate of the hostages as the war in Gaza enters its fifth month.
At least 30 of the roughly 136 remaining hostages captured Oct. 7 are believed to be dead, according to an Israeli intelligence assessment.
As hostages’ families mount more aggressive protests to demand that Israel secure their release, a rift has deepened among Israelis about the cost the country is willing to absorb to have the remaining captives brought home.
Persons:
—, ”, ’, Benjamin Netanyahu’s, Tzvika Mor, Eitan, Mor
Organizations:
Hamas, Tikva
Locations:
Gaza, Israel