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Families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza criticized Defense Minister Israel Katz on Wednesday over the expansion of military operations in the Strip, accusing the government of sidelining efforts to bring their loved ones home.
“Has the decision been made to sacrifice the hostages for the sake of ‘territorial gains’?” the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in a statement.
The families said they believe the mission to free the remaining 59 hostages has been pushed to the bottom of the government’s priorities. “Our deep concern is that this task has become secondary,” the statement read.
The group called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir to address the public and explain how the ongoing operation aligns with efforts to secure the hostages’ return, and how it will avoid endangering their lives.