The families of the remaining Israeli hostages still being held by the Palestinian militant group in the are split on the best approach to bringing their loved ones home.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum called on supporters to gather in Jerusalem to protest , which the group believes complicates negotiations and endangers their relatives.
“Following the decision to resume military operations, which places 59 hostages at grave risk, their families are now making their way to Jerusalem and calling on the people of Israel to stand with them,” the group said in a message on WhatsApp.
“There is nothing more urgent than this! With each passing day, the danger to the hostages grows. Military pressure could further endanger their lives and complicate efforts to bring them home safely.”
Another group, however, the Tikva Forum of Hostages’ Families, welcomed the renewed fighting and expressed its support for the Israeli government’s approach.
“The past weeks have proven what we have been saying all along – Hamas will never return all the hostages willingly,” the group said in a statement titled “All or Hell.”
“Only massive military pressure, a complete blockade including cutting off electricity and water, and occupation of territories that will lead to Hamas’ collapse, will cause them to beg for a ceasefire and a deal that will return ALL the hostages together, in one stage.”
The group argued that, should strikes continue “with intensity and without interruption,” all hostages would return home “in one bus.”
Israeli authorities say 59 hostages are still being held in Gaza, with up to 24 believed to be alive.
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