The niece of an 80-year-old hostage still held by Hamas has spoken out against the Israeli government's failure to secure a deal for the release of her uncle and other hostages in Gaza. Efrat Machikawa expressed her frustration with the government's inaction, calling for international assistance and urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to prioritize a ceasefire and bring the hostages home.
Pressure is mounting on Netanyahu to negotiate a ceasefire with Hamas following the recovery of six hostages' bodies in Gaza. A nationwide strike has been initiated by Israel's largest labor union to push for a hostage deal, with protests erupting over the perceived lack of government action to protect the hostages.
