Relatives of Israeli captives in Gaza warned on Tuesday that Israel’s decision to resume its deadly assault on the besieged enclave could put their loved ones at greater risk. This followed a wave of Israeli airstrikes that killed over 400 Palestinians, including at least 174 children.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum condemned the Israeli government’s actions, revealing that authorities had ignored their requests to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials to discuss how captives would be protected.
The group accused officials of deliberately sabotaging the ceasefire, saying: “Now it becomes clear – public officials didn’t meet with us because they were planning the explosion of the ceasefire, which could sacrifice their family members.”
Since Israel’s renewed bombardment began, at least 413 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
The strikes marked the deadliest assault since the January ceasefire, which saw the return of 33 captives – both living and dead – in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, most of whom were women and children.
Families of captives expressed anguish over the renewed violence.
“This morning, the moment we realised that we were going back to war, the first thing I thought about was: what about the hostages? This is a death sentence for the hostages, and it’s simply terrible,” said Muriel Aranov, a 62-year-old pensioner from Tel Aviv.
Michel Illouz, whose son Guy died on 7 October, voiced his frustration, saying: “Hamas cannot be defeated while there are captives in Gaza unless the government consciously decided to give up the lives of our children.”
Several previously freed captives also condemned Israel’s actions.
British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari, who was released in January, wrote on Instagram: “My heart is broken,” adding that she would continue to advocate for the release of those still held. Another freed captive, Eliya Cohen, described Israel’s renewed assault as a “death sentence” for those remaining in Gaza.
In parliament, far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich dismissed a grieving relative of a hostage who had died in captivity, coldly stating: “We’ve heard enough from you!”
Despite growing concern from families and international observers, Netanyahu’s government pressed ahead with the strikes, claiming Hamas had rejected ceasefire proposals mediated by the US and other negotiators.
Israeli officials said the military would continue its assault with “increased military intensity”, further endangering Gaza’s civilian population.
Amid mounting casualties, Amnesty International denounced Israel’s attacks as a “desperately dark day for humanity”, warning that Gaza’s devastated healthcare system and Israel’s blockade on aid put thousands more lives at risk.
