Post by : Naveen Mittal

Photo: X / NesrinAkman19

Families Say Netanyahu Blocks Deal to Free Hamas-Held Hostages

Introduction

The families of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas have strongly criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. They say he is the main obstacle preventing their loved ones from coming home and blocking a possible peace deal that could also help end the war in Gaza.

The statement comes after Israel carried out a deadly strike in Qatar’s capital Doha, killing several senior Hamas leaders. The families believe that every time a chance for a deal comes close, Netanyahu takes actions that ruin the progress.

Families Blame Netanyahu

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, a group representing relatives of hostages, said Netanyahu has been using “excuses” instead of working for a deal.

They accused him of stalling negotiations so that he can stay in power, even though the delay has cost lives. “There is one obstacle to returning the 48 hostages and ending the war: Prime Minister Netanyahu,” the families said. “The time has come to end the excuses designed to buy time so he can cling to power.”

The group added that Netanyahu’s actions and delays have already cost the lives of 42 hostages, while others remain in danger, surviving in terrible conditions.

The Qatar Strike

On Tuesday, Israel launched an air strike in Doha, Qatar, where senior Hamas officials were meeting. According to Hamas, five of its members and a Qatari security officer were killed in the attack.

The strike drew international criticism because Qatar is seen as an important middleman in negotiations. The Gulf nation has hosted Hamas leaders for years and is often involved in ceasefire talks with support from the US.

The families said the attack on Doha proved their point — that instead of making peace possible, Netanyahu is taking steps that make it harder.

Netanyahu’s Response

Netanyahu defended the strike, saying the killing of Hamas leaders would remove obstacles to the release of hostages.

He also argued that Hamas, not Israel, is the real reason there is no ceasefire. According to him, Hamas keeps rejecting deals to stretch out the war.

Netanyahu said the Doha strike was justified because those Hamas leaders were responsible for planning the October 7, 2023 attacks, when gunmen from Gaza entered southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages.

US Reaction

The strike on Qatar created tension between Israel and the United States.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Israel soon after the strike. Before his trip, he admitted that President Donald Trump was “not happy” with Israel’s decision to attack Doha.

Rubio said: “Obviously we’re not happy about it, the president was not happy about it. Now we need to move forward and figure out what comes next.”

He stressed that America’s priority remains the safe return of all hostages and an eventual end to the Gaza war.

When asked whether Qatar might pull back from its role as a mediator, Rubio said Qatar had been “a good partner” in the past and would hopefully continue to cooperate.

Qatar’s Condemnation

Qatar strongly condemned the Israeli strike, calling it both “cowardly” and a “clear violation of international law.”

Qatar is not just a regional power but also a key US ally, hosting a major American air base. The attack on its capital has therefore created a serious diplomatic problem.

The War in Gaza Intensifies

While the argument over hostages continues, the war in Gaza has grown even more brutal.

In recent days, Israeli forces have carried out heavy air strikes on Gaza City, destroying whole apartment blocks and turning large neighborhoods into rubble.

The Israeli military has also warned residents to leave Gaza City immediately, signaling plans for a large-scale ground invasion.

Civilian Suffering

According to residents, schools and temporary shelters where displaced families were staying have also been hit, with only short warnings before the bombs fell.

The Hamas-run health ministry reported that in just one day, the bodies of 68 people killed by Israeli strikes were brought to Gaza hospitals.

The United Nations has warned that Israel’s plan to occupy Gaza City during a declared famine will make a desperate humanitarian crisis even worse.

Since August 22, when international food security experts confirmed famine in Gaza City, at least 144 people have died of hunger and malnutrition in the territory, according to the health ministry.

Israel disputes those numbers but admits that aid deliveries are not reaching everyone who needs them.

Hostages Still in Danger

The hostages remain a central issue. Israel says about 48 hostages are still alive in Hamas captivity. Families fear that more could die if a deal is not reached soon.

Already, 42 hostages have been confirmed dead since their capture. The families say Netanyahu’s actions risk the lives of the rest.

The Hostages Forum said: “Stalling has already cost lives and threatens those who remain. We cannot accept more excuses.”

Human Toll of the Conflict

Since October 7, the war has caused enormous suffering on both sides.

• In Israel: About 1,200 people were killed in Hamas’s initial attack, and 251 were taken hostage.

• In Gaza: At least 64,871 people have been killed in Israeli attacks since then, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

Entire neighborhoods in Gaza have been destroyed, and hundreds of thousands have been forced to leave their homes. The UN has described the situation as one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises in recent history.

International Pressure on Israel

The latest strike in Qatar and the ongoing bombing of Gaza have led to rising criticism of Israel’s war strategy.

World leaders, humanitarian groups, and even some Israeli citizens have questioned whether Netanyahu is prolonging the war for political reasons rather than focusing on ending it.

The families of hostages argue that politics should not come before lives. They say their loved ones have waited nearly a year for freedom, and every delay brings more risk.

Conclusion

The war in Gaza began nearly a year ago and has already claimed tens of thousands of lives. The families of hostages now say the Israeli prime minister himself is blocking the only path to peace and freedom for their loved ones.

As air strikes continue and famine deepens, the pressure on Netanyahu grows stronger. Whether he chooses to push for a deal or continue with military operations will shape not only the future of the hostages but also the fate of millions in Gaza and Israel.

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