Families of Hostages in Despair After Gaza Strikes
In Tel Aviv, Israel, Herut Nimrodi was hopeful that her son would soon be freed from captivity in Gaza following a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that started two months ago. Her son, a 20-year-old soldier, was expected to be released in the second phase of the agreement aimed at de-escalating the conflict. However, Israel's unexpected airstrikes on Gaza on Tuesday have left her fearing for his safety and uncertain about his return.
"I wanted to believe there was still a chance to proceed to the next phase without reigniting the conflict. But now it feels like my hopes have crumbled, and I'm at a loss for what to do," Nimrodi expressed.
The airstrikes, which Hamas claims resulted in hundreds of casualties, ended a nearly two-month ceasefire. Approximately 60 families have relatives still held in Gaza, with around two dozen hostages believed to be alive. During the first phase of the ceasefire, Hamas released 25 Israeli hostages and returned the bodies of eight others in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. However, negotiations for the second phase have stalled.
Nimrodi's son, Tamir, was taken from his army base during a Hamas incursion into Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths and more than 250 hostages taken. She has received no confirmation of his status from Israeli authorities.
"It's tragic that this is the only solution they found," she lamented regarding the government's actions.
Gaza's Health Ministry reported that the strikes killed at least 404 people and injured over 560, with many victims being women and children. This marked the deadliest day in Gaza since the conflict began, which has claimed over 48,000 Palestinian lives.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the airstrikes were a response to Hamas's refusal to amend the ceasefire agreement. He declared that the military campaign would continue until all objectives, including the destruction of Hamas and the release of hostages, were achieved. Future ceasefire talks, he said, would occur "under fire." The White House expressed support for Israel's actions, attributing the blame to Hamas.
Following the strikes, the Israeli military instructed residents of eastern Gaza to evacuate, suggesting a potential ground operation. Netanyahu's office announced that Israel would intensify its military efforts against Hamas.
A senior Hamas official criticized Netanyahu's decision to resume hostilities, calling it a "death sentence" for the remaining hostages. Hamas reported that six senior officials were killed in the strikes. Meanwhile, Yemen's Houthi rebels launched rockets towards Israel, which were intercepted.
The resumption of conflict has reignited debate in Israel regarding the fate of the hostages. While Netanyahu and his allies believe military pressure will force Hamas to release the hostages, many families and the public view these goals as unrealistic. They argue that time is running out, especially after the release of hostages who appeared malnourished and described harsh conditions.
Protests demanding the release of hostages took place outside Israel's parliament and near the Gaza border. Some families, already aware of their relatives' deaths in Gaza, criticized the government's decision.
"This is a disaster for the hostages and the rising death toll in Gaza," said Udi Goren, whose cousin was killed in the October 7 attack.
Goren urged the international community to pressure all parties involved to end the conflict. Former hostages have also voiced their concerns, emphasizing the need to continue fighting for those still held captive.
Sylvia Cunio, whose two sons are hostages, criticized Israel's leaders for lacking compassion. "It's not right to continue the fighting. I want my children home," she said on local radio.
Nimrodi fears the airstrikes may worsen conditions for her son and other hostages. She fondly remembers Tamir as a humorous teenager with a love for geology and astronomy. Despite her fears, she remains determined to see him again.
In Gaza, Palestinians are once again mourning and recovering from the destruction. At Khan Younis' Nasser Hospital, the pediatric ward is overwhelmed with injured children, according to Dr. Tanya-Haj Hassan, a volunteer with Medical Aid for Palestinians.
"We woke up to a barrage of airstrikes. The hospital has been inundated with patients ever since," she reported.