In Israel, relatives of hostages held in Gaza called on the international community not to remain silent or indifferent on Sunday, as the anniversary approaches of the attacks of October 7, 2023 that triggered the war.
“As we mark this somber anniversary, we urge the world not to grow silent or complacent. Do not forget us. Do not forget the hostages,” members of the family forum appealed.
The conflict, which will be a year old on Monday, began when fighters from the Palestinian Islamist Hamas militia and others invaded Israel on October 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people and taking up to 250 hostage.
Israel retaliated with massive attacks that have resulted in what the Hamas-run health ministry says are more than 41,800 people killed. Hamas does not distinguish between militant and civilian deaths. The figures cannot be independently verified.
The family forum called the situation a “humanitarian global 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 upon world leaders, the global community, and all concerned parties: maintain pressure on Hamas to accept a deal for the release of all hostages. Those still alive need to begin the complex process of rehabilitation, while those who were murdered deserve a 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 in the face of the fighting in Lebanon, which continues to escalate.
After months of cross-border skirmishes between Israeli forces and the Iran-backed militia, which says it acts out of solidarity with Hamas in Gaza, Israel began an intense aerial campaign to strike Hezbollah targets late last month, with the stated aim of ensuring residents evacuated fr othe area may safely return.
“A deal that ensures their safe return holds the promise of a better future for both Israelis and Gaza residents,” the forum said on Sunday.
“We cannot move forward until every last hostage is returned home.”
