Jerusalem, May 5 (EFE).- Families of hostages held by Hamas on Monday denounced the Israeli government’s decision to expand its ground offensive in Gaza, calling instead for a deal to secure the hostages’ release.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum warned that the expansion, approved Sunday by Israel’s security cabinet, could further endanger the captives.
“We are raising a red flag—Israel is on a path to sinking deeper into the Gaza quagmire,” the forum said in a statement. “Expanding the war is a grave mistake. Stop this before it’s too late.”
The group also warned that the intensified operations put Israeli soldiers at greater risk and deepen the suffering of families already impacted by the conflict.
There is “no victory” without the return of the 59 hostages, both living and dead, the families said, criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s framing of the Gaza campaign as a push for “victory.”
The forum urged the government to prioritize securing a deal with Hamas, noting that 70 percent of Israelis consider the hostages’ release a “top priority.”
“We call on the Israeli government and military commanders: Stop this mistake. An agreement must be reached to bring everyone home,” the forum added, according to local media.
On Sunday night, the Israeli security cabinet approved plans to expand military operations in Gaza and facilitate humanitarian aid if needed.
The expansion includes occupying and holding additional territory within the enclave and pushing the population further south, an area already mostly under Israeli control.
It also involves calling up tens of thousands of reservists for the expanded operation.
For months, the hostages’ families have criticized Netanyahu’s military strategy, arguing that it endangers, and may even cost, the lives of hostages still held in Gaza. EFE
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