The families of Israeli prisoners say the Israeli regime has abandoned those still held in Gaza, following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s order for large-scale airstrikes on the Palestinian territory.
In a statement on Tuesday, families of the prisoners said implementing the January 19 ceasefire offers the best opportunity for the safe return of the remaining prisoners, The New York Times reported.
With the renewed Israeli attacks on Gaza, they said their “greatest fear” has come true. They also announced plans for a rally in occupied al-Quds to protest Tel Aviv’s decision.
The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas condemned the renewed aggression, accusing Netanyahu and his extremist cabinet of exposing Israeli prisoners to grave danger. The group previously reported that scores of prisoners had died as a result of indiscriminate Israeli bombardments.
The new wave of airstrikes marks the first major escalation since a ceasefire with Hamas took effect on January 19. According to Gaza’s health ministry, over 400 people have been killed in the strikes.
Hamas took 250 people captive, including settlers and military personnel, during its surprise retaliatory attack on October 7, 2023. Over 130 prisoners have been released in a series of exchanges under the ceasefire agreement. However, fewer than half of the 59 remaining prisoners are believed to still be alive, according to Israeli officials.
Hamas has said it will not release the remaining prisoners unless Israel fully implements the ceasefire, including moving to the second phase of the agreement. The second stage involves a permanent cessation of hostilities and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
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