Hostage Families: Netanyahu’s Qatar Attack Blocks Hostage Release, Gaza Peace
The Israeli hostage families’ forum sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that his decision to attack Hamas leaders and negotiators in Qatar proves he is the main obstacle to freeing hostages and ending the Gaza war.
The forum, representing families of hostages held by Hamas, condemned Netanyahu’s approach, arguing that such actions complicate the crisis and endanger the hostages’ lives.
They stated that targeting Qatar, a key mediator in ceasefire and hostage release talks, reflects Netanyahu’s disregard for diplomatic solutions and his preference for military escalation.
The statement was in response to Netanyahu’s remarks, where he claimed that Israel’s strikes on Hamas leaders in Qatar aimed to eliminate the group and remove barriers to ending the Gaza war and freeing hostages.
He argued that dismantling Hamas’s leadership would weaken the group and expedite a resolution.
However, the families called these claims unrealistic and dangerous, asserting that such actions derail negotiations and reduce the chances of securing the hostages’ release.
The forum urged the international community to pressure Israel to return to the negotiating table and prioritize diplomacy.
They emphasized that Netanyahu’s military-focused policies have escalated the conflict and diminished hopes for the hostages’ safe return.
The group called for an immediate halt to attacks and a focus on peace talks to prevent further casualties and prolonging the crisis. This stance highlights a deep divide between the hostage families and the Israeli government on handling the Gaza conflict.
