Families of Israeli hostages in Gaza express ‘deep concern’ over escalation

By Zein Khalil

ISTANBUL (AA) - The families of Israelis taken hostage in Gaza expressed on Saturday their “deep concern” over the fate of their loved ones and the possibility of them being exposed to bombardment, as the army expanded its air and ground operations into the besieged Palestinian enclave.

The Israeli army on Friday widened its air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip, which is already under relentless airstrikes since the surprise offensive by Hamas on Oct. 7. Communication networks went down around the same time.

The families in a statement said, “this was the most horrific night ever, during which we went through great anxiety,” according to the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation.

“We lived through complete uncertainty regarding the fate of the kidnapped people who are being held there and who are also being subjected to heavy bombardment."

They demanded an urgent meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and other members of the war cabinet.

“I feel that we have already lost this war that we are fighting,” Israeli Army Radio quoted Merav Leshem Gonen, mother of one of the captives, as saying. “How can you be sure that my daughter and the other kidnapped people will return alive?”

Israel says Hamas has 222 detainees in the Gaza Strip, and the group has so far released four female captives due to Qatari mediation.

Israel has also put the entire enclave under a blockade, leaving 2.3 million residents with little food, water, fuel and medical supplies.

* Writing by Ikram Kouachi