A group representing the families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza has announced their decision to boycott the government's upcoming commemoration event marking the first anniversary of the October 7 attack. The Hostage Families Forum expressed frustration over the slow progress in negotiations to bring back their loved ones, citing the Israeli government's perceived inability to secure the hostages' return.
According to the forum, since the attack on October 7, the situation has remained stagnant, with 109 Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza, including 36 believed to be dead. The families of the hostages criticized the government for failing to facilitate the return of the living hostages for rehabilitation and the bodies of the deceased for burial.
The government's formal memorial event, scheduled for October 7, is being organized by Transport Minister Miri Regev. However, the forum has decided to join communities in the Gaza border area and southern Israel to mark the day instead of participating in the government's event.
Months-long negotiations to secure the release of the hostages in exchange for a ceasefire in Gaza have faced repeated setbacks. Israel has insisted on eliminating Hamas from Gaza and maintaining control over the Gaza-Egypt border, conditions that Hamas has rejected.
The boycott announcement by the Hostage Families Forum follows a decision by several kibbutzim from the Gaza border area to also boycott the memorial event. Former war cabinet member Benny Gantz emphasized that the affected communities should have a significant role in organizing the event.
As efforts continue to reach a resolution and bring back the hostages, the families of the Israeli hostages remain steadfast in their demands for security, rehabilitation of communities, and a thorough investigation into the events of October 7.
