In Israel, relatives of hostages held in Gaza called on the international community on Sunday not to remain silent or indifferent as the anniversary of the October 7, 2023, attacks that sparked the war approaches.
“As we mark this somber anniversary, we urge the world not to become silent or complacent. Don’t forget us. Don’t forget the hostages,” members of the family forum urged.
The conflict, which will mark a year old on Monday, began when fighters from the Palestinian Islamist Hamas militia and others invaded Israel on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking up to 250 hostage.
Israel retaliated with massive attacks that led to the deaths of more than 41,800 people, the Hamas-led Health Ministry said. Hamas makes no distinction between militant and civilian deaths. The figures cannot be independently verified.
The family forum called the situation a “global humanitarian crisis, with the hostages representing 24 different nationalities and five religions.”
“Every day that passes brings another day of unimaginable suffering for the hostages and their families,” the families said.
“We call on world leaders, the world community and all parties involved: maintain pressure on Hamas to accept an agreement for the release of all hostages. Those still alive must begin the complex process of rehabilitation, while those murdered deserve punishment. proper burial.”
In the past, relatives of the hostages have accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of sabotaging a deal with Hamas and bowing to the demands of his ultra-religious and far-right coalition partners.
They oppose concessions to Hamas, and Netanyahu depends on them for his political survival.
Many protesters also increasingly fear that the fate of the hostages will be forgotten as the fighting in Lebanon continues to escalate.
After months of cross-border skirmishes between Israeli forces and the Iran-backed militia, which says it is acting in solidarity with Hamas in Gaza, Israel late last month began an intensive air campaign to strike Hezbollah targets, aiming to assure its residents evacuated from the area can return safely.
“An agreement that guarantees their safe return holds the promise of a better future for both Israelis and Gazans,” the forum said on Sunday.
“We cannot proceed until all hostages have returned home.”
