Families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza have gathered outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem to mark one year since their loved ones were kidnapped by Hamas. The families sounded a siren for two minutes as a symbolic gesture to urge the government to take action and bring back the hostages.
These families have been enduring immense grief and trauma since the kidnapping took place. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum reported that the relatives shared their heartbreaking experiences during the event.
Shir Siegel, whose parents were among those kidnapped, spoke about the fear and anxiety that has plagued her family for the past year. While her mother was released after two months in captivity, her father remains a hostage in Gaza. Siegel expressed the pain of longing for her parents' return and the ongoing anguish of their separation.
Another family member, Niva Wenkert, shared a message of hope and determination for her son, who was taken hostage at a music festival last year. Despite the challenges and the longing for her son, Wenkert expressed unwavering resolve to continue fighting for his safe return.
The families have been campaigning tirelessly for the Israeli government to secure a ceasefire deal in Gaza that would lead to the release of their loved ones. Their persistence and determination have been evident as they continue to advocate for the return of the hostages.
As the families marked this solemn anniversary, their message of resilience and hope resonated strongly. They vowed to keep fighting until their loved ones are safely reunited with them, emphasizing that they will not give up until their mission is accomplished.