On Saturday, families of Israeli hostages held by the Palestinian militants Hamas in Gaza demanded an immediate government explanation about the fate of the captives after the army intensified strikes on the Palestinian territory.
The main group representing more than 220 people believed abducted in the October 7 attacks by Hamas sought an immediate meeting with ministers.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in a statement that relatives were angry over the “absolute uncertainty regarding the fate of the Israeli hostages held (in Gaza), who were also subject to the heavy bombings.”
According to Israeli officials, the latest escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict started when the Hamas militants crossed into Israel from its southern border on October 7, killing more than 1,400 people.
Israel has responded with relentless air and artillery strikes on Gaza that have killed more than 6,000 people, according to health authorities in Gaza.
Iran, an essential source of financial and military backing for Hamas, praised the October 7 Hamas attack while rejecting any involvement in its planning or execution.
