ALBAWABA - In a dramatic turn of events, the families of Israeli captives in Gaza voiced their frustration by interrupting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech in parliament. Netanyahu, addressing the ongoing conflict, emphasized the continuation of hostilities in Gaza and underscored the need for time to secure the return of captives to their homes.
During his speech, Prime Minister Netanyahu conveyed a message indicating a deepening of the conflict with Gaza. He claimed that over 100 hostages were freed through Israeli military operations, with an additional 81 released in a prisoner exchange with Hamas. Netanyahu defended the approach, stating that military pressure was essential for the release of hostages, acknowledging the necessity of time.
In response to Netanyahu's statements, a relative of a captive shouted, "We don't have time!" in protest. Subsequently, families of Israeli captives joined forces, drowning out Netanyahu's speech with chants and slogans, demanding the immediate return of their loved ones.
The conflict initiated by the Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, on October 7, resulted in the capture of numerous Israeli citizens. In a "humanitarian break" declared on November 24, extended for an additional 3 days, 81 Israelis and 240 Palestinians were mutually released. Despite these efforts, Israel reports that 129 Israeli captives are still held in Gaza.
The Israeli government reportedly seeks a "humanitarian break" as part of a broader prisoner exchange, while Hamas insists on a comprehensive "ceasefire" agreement to completely halt the attacks.
