Tel Aviv, March 5 (IANS) – The Hostages and Missing Families forum of Israel is demanding the acceleration of a ceasefire deal to find information on their loved ones kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023. This comes after a senior Hamas official revealed limited information about the hostages’ whereabouts.
In an interview, Hamas official Basem Naim disclosed that the hostages are held by various groups, and Hamas lacks specific details on their status. Naim emphasized that crucial information cannot be disclosed freely and indicated that the hostages’ condition can only be determined after a ceasefire is reached.
Olive Mosley, a family member of a hostage, expressed concern, stating, “We are anxiously waiting for our loved ones, unsure if they will return alive or in a coffin.” She urged the Israeli government to promptly investigate the situation in Gaza and provide updates on the hostages’ well-being.
Israeli intelligence agencies report that 134 individuals are in Hamas’ custody, with 32 confirmed dead. Israel recently withdrew from peace negotiations due to Hamas’ failure to disclose the number of surviving hostages as requested by Israel before the upcoming Ramadan month.
Hamas previously declared the deaths of seven hostages, but only revealed the identities of three. Families of the hostages contested this information, citing Hamas’ history of disseminating false details for psychological warfare. The Hostages and Missing Families forum called for the prompt execution of a ceasefire to secure the safe return of all hostages.
As tensions rise and uncertainty looms, the families of the hostages and the Missing Families forum urge the Israeli government to prioritize the ceasefire agreement and facilitate the repatriation of their kidnapped loved ones. The fate of the hostages remains uncertain, highlighting the urgent need for decisive action to resolve this distressing situation.
