Israeli families of captives held in Gaza have condemned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s latest military move, calling it a direct act of betrayal. In a strongly worded statement, they criticized the Israeli cabinet’s decision to pursue further occupation of Gaza City, saying it effectively abandons the hostages still held in the enclave.
“Last night’s cabinet decision to pursue occupation of the Gaza Strip means abandoning the hostages, while completely ignoring the repeated warnings from military leadership and the clear will of the majority of the Israeli public,” the Hostages and Missing Families Forum stated on Tuesday.
The group said the government’s current military strategy places the lives of hostages, soldiers, and Israeli society in jeopardy. “The cabinet chose last night to embark on another march of recklessness,” the statement read, “on the backs of the hostages, the soldiers, and Israeli society as a whole.”
The families have urged the political leadership to prioritize a comprehensive deal over continued military escalation. Their concern reflects a growing divide in Israeli society, with many citizens and military officials calling for negotiations rather than renewed conflict.
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Gaza Residents Say ‘There’s Nothing Left to Occupy’
While the Israeli government ramps up its military plans, Palestinian civilians in Gaza express disbelief and despair over the continued targeting of Gaza City. Many say the city is already destroyed and question the purpose of the planned occupation.
“There’s nothing left to occupy in the first place. We’re already dying. About 100 to 150 people die daily – on top of everything else we’re going through,” said Mahmoud al-Qurashli, a resident from eastern Gaza.
With most of the Gaza Strip’s population squeezed into the western areas of Gaza City, displacement and humanitarian suffering have reached unimaginable levels. “At this point, for the people, there’s no difference anymore – whether [Israel] occupies it or not,” al-Qurashli added.
Raed Abu Mohammed, a displaced resident from the Shujayea neighborhood, echoed these sentiments. After five months of living in tents, he said life had just started to regain a small sense of normalcy.
“Yes, there’s suffering, yes, there’s death – yes. But we’re still clinging to life,” he said. The news of Israel’s renewed occupation plans, he added, was “shocking,” and has renewed fears among Gaza’s already devastated population.
Palestinian Mujahideen Movement: ‘Occupation Proves Israel Never Wanted Ceasefire’
In response to Israel’s decision to push deeper into Gaza City, the Palestinian Mujahideen Movement issued a statement claiming the move validates suspicions that Israel was never committed to ceasefire negotiations. The group called the occupation plans proof of bad faith and disregard for the lives of captives still held in Gaza.
“This decision reaffirms that the Israeli government was obstructing the ceasefire negotiation process and confirms its lack of concern for the lives of its captives,” the movement said on Telegram.
It further warned that Palestinians will “resist any occupation or aggressive force,” vowing that “Gaza will remain free and unbreakable.”
The group also criticized the international community, particularly the US, for what it called complicity in Israel’s actions. “The US administration continues to provide cover for Israeli crimes against the Palestinian people,” the statement concluded.
Rising International Concern as Situation Escalates
As Israel proceeds with its military campaign in Gaza City, international observers express concern over the implications for both regional stability and humanitarian conditions. The United Nations and humanitarian organizations have repeatedly called for a ceasefire to prevent further civilian casualties.
Despite mounting pressure from families of captives and international bodies, the Israeli cabinet remains steadfast in its approach, stating it is acting in the name of national security. However, critics argue that the occupation of Gaza City will deepen the crisis rather than resolve it.
In Gaza, the humanitarian toll continues to rise, with hundreds of thousands displaced and basic infrastructure in ruins. With little food, water, or medical aid reaching the enclave, fears grow that continued occupation could lead to irreversible catastrophe.
The coming days will determine whether the Israeli government will heed calls for negotiation or continue its military advance — risking the lives of both hostages and innocent civilians. The world watches closely, as the fate of Gaza and its people remains uncertain.
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