Middle East: Hostage families criticize Israeli war plans – DW – 08/04/2025

DW

18 hours ago

After ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas collapsed, PM Netanyahu is reportedly considering 'decisive' military action in the enclave. Hostage families warn this could endanger their loved ones. DW has more.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is advocating for the release of hostages through a "decisive military victory," Israeli media reported.
It is a strategy that could see Israeli forces operating in areas believed to be controlled by Hamas, where hostages are suspected to be held.
In response, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which represents the vast majority of hostage families, condemned the approach, stating that Netanyahu is "leading Israel and the hostages toward devastation."After failed negotiations between Israel and Hamas over a ceasefire and hostage release deal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is determined to "release the hostages through decisive military victory," Israeli media reported, citing a diplomatic source.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which represents most of the hostages' families, responded to the reports by saying Netanyahu is "leading Israel and the hostages to devastation," calling attempts to free hostages through military action a "fraud" and an "illusion."
This follows the release of two videos by Palestinian militant groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad, showing Israeli hostages who appear pale and emaciated. In one video, a hostage is seen digging what appears to be his own grave, barely able to hold a shovel.
A year ago, six Israeli hostages were killed after their Hamas captors believed the Israeli army was closing in on their hideout.
Hamas has said it is willing to grant the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) access to the Israeli hostages it has held for 667 days, on the condition that "humanitarian corridors" are opened across all areas of the Gaza Strip."
The statement follows the release of two videos by Hamas and Islamic Jihad, showing Israeli hostages appearing gaunt and in visibly poor condition.
The groups said they were ready to cooperate and deliver food to those they holding if Israel agrees to open humanitarian corridors across the entire Gaza Strip.
In response, the ICRC said it was "appalled" by the footage and reiterated its call for immediate access to the hostages.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had asked the organization to help deliver medical aid to the hostages, describing the videos as a source of "profound shock."
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We're tracking the latest developments in Israel's war in Gaza, where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly considering expanding the IDF's operations into areas where Israeli hostages are believed to be held.
This follows the release of two disturbing videos showing Israeli hostages in visibly deteriorating health, one of them pale and gaunt, the other reportedly forced to dig his own grave.
The footage was published by Palestinian militant groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
Stay with us for news, analysis, and explainers on the situation in Gaza, Israel, and the wider Middle East.