Netanyahu consults with families of slain Hamas captives
Netanyahu, the Israeli PM, has extended invites to the bereaved family members of Hamas hostages for a meet-up. Scharon Sharabi, who lost his brothers Jossi and Eli in captivity, shared he was invited to this gathering on a Tuesday. He plans to attend. Not all relatives are eager, though. One in particular prefers anonymity and feels the invitation is arriving too late.
Reports suggest Netanyahu will host two groups of family members on Thursday and Sunday respectively. Some relatives have voiced disappointment over what they perceive as a lack of empathy towards the families of the deceased hostages from Netanyahu.
Weekly protests against Netanyahu transpire in Israel, with calls for a peace agreement with Hamas for hostage release as the primary focus.
As per Israeli reports, the Hamas and Palestinian Jihad forces brutally attacked Israel on October 7, resulting in the deaths of 1194 people and the abduction of 251. Some of the kidnapped have since been released, while others remain in custody. It is estimated that 116 hostages are still in the hands of Hamas and other Palestinian organizations, with 41 believed to have perished.
In response to this unprecedented attack by Hamas, Israel has been actively carrying out significant military operations in the Gaza Strip since October. The Hamas-controlled Health Ministry, whose reports cannot be independently verified, claims over 37,370 casualties in these operations so far.
