Families of hostages held in the Gaza Strip expressed their concerns about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah potentially overshadowing the plight of their loved ones. The Israel’s Hostage and Missing Families Forum, representing families of 101 hostages held by Hamas, released a statement highlighting their fears amidst the escalating tensions in northern Israel.
The hostages have been enduring horrific conditions for 355 days, and the families are worried that the recent crisis may divert attention away from their situation. As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepared for his visit to the United Nations in New York, the Forum emphasized the importance of addressing the hostage issue during discussions at the UN General Assembly and in Netanyahu's speech.
The families stressed that securing the release of the hostages should be a top priority and urged for a deal to bring them back safely. They hope that the international community, including leaders at the UN, will prioritize efforts to resolve the hostage situation and reunite the hostages with their families.