Tensions have erupted in Israel as families of hostages held in Gaza accuse Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of endangering their loved ones by resuming military operations against Hamas. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, a campaign group advocating for the release of Israeli captives, condemned the government’s decision to launch fresh airstrikes, calling it a reckless move that could cost innocent lives.
“Now it’s clear—officials avoided meeting with us because they were planning the explosion of the ceasefire, which could sacrifice our family members,” the group declared in a statement on Tuesday.
The Israeli military’s renewed assault came after Netanyahu’s office cited Hamas’ “repeated refusal” to release the remaining hostages, despite multiple proposals from U.S. mediators. However, critics argue that the decision to escalate military action effectively abandons the 58 hostages still believed to be in Gaza, including 34 that the Israeli military has classified as deceased.
Grieving families and supporters gathered in Jerusalem near Netanyahu’s office, demanding answers. “Hamas cannot be defeated while our children remain in Gaza—unless the government has consciously decided to give up on them,” said Michel Illouz, whose son was abducted and later killed.
Some former hostages have also spoken out, voicing fears for those still in captivity. British-Israeli survivor Emily Damari shared her heartbreak on Instagram, while Eliya Cohen, freed in February, described the renewed strikes as a “death sentence” for those left behind.
Meanwhile, tensions flared in Israel’s parliament when far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich dismissed a relative of a deceased hostage, snapping, “We’ve heard enough from you!”—a remark that further fueled public outrage.
With Netanyahu doubling down on his military strategy and vowing “increased intensity” against Hamas, families of hostages are left with a painful question: Has their government abandoned them?
