The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has commended US President Joe Biden for his recent comments criticizing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. The forum expressed appreciation for President Biden's actions and determination to secure the release of all 101 hostages, urging Prime Minister Netanyahu to show similar resilience and commitment to the lives of the hostages.
In response to Netanyahu's statements regarding the presence of Israeli forces in the Philadelphi corridor during potential hostage and ceasefire negotiations, the families forum strongly condemned his position. The Philadelphi corridor, a 14-kilometer strip of land along Gaza's border with Egypt controlled by the Israeli military, has been a contentious issue in discussions with Hamas.
Israel has insisted on maintaining control of the border zone as part of the initial phase of any agreement, while Hamas has demanded the withdrawal of Israeli troops. The families forum emphasized the importance of reaching a resolution that prioritizes the safe return of the hostages and called on all parties involved to work towards a peaceful and swift resolution.
