Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with the families of prisoners released from the Gaza Strip on Tuesday after the end of a seven-day pause in hostilities.
Tuesday’s meeting allowed the return of more than 100 prisoners captured by the Palestinian armed group Hamas during its attack on Israel on October 7 in exchange for about 240 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.
Israel stated that around 138 captives remained in the territory. However, some of those attending the meeting sharply criticised the government. Dani Miran, whose son Omri was among those taken captive, expressed such disgust that he left in the middle of the meeting.
“I won’t go into the details of what was discussed but this entire performance was ugly, insulting, messy.”
Jennifer Master, whose partner Andrey is still being held by Hamas, has claimed the meeting was so raucous that many people were shouting.
We are all trying to make sure our loved ones get home. There are those who want the women who are left or the children who are left, and those who say we want the men.
Speaking at a press conference after the meeting, Netanyahu stated that he had heard stories that “broke my heart” and described hunger and starvation, as well as physical and mental abuse.
Israel announced that it was investigating several cases of alleged sexual assault and rape committed by Hamas militants during the October 7 attack that killed 1,200 people. Witnesses and medical experts reported that some militants carried out rapes and other assaults before killing the victims, although the extent of the sexual violence remained unknown. Hamas has denied committing such acts.
Israel launched an intense bombardment of the Gaza Strip after the Hamas attack, claiming it wanted to eliminate the group and liberate captives. More than 16,200 people have been killed in attacks in Gaza, according to Hamas, which has been controlling the territory since 2006.
Meanwhile, some families appear to be losing patience with the Netanyahu government.
“We have faith in our children, that they are strong and they will overcome this, and we want our government and the military to do what they do as fast as they can — as fast as possible — to start the negotiations.”
On December 2, Israel recalled its negotiators from Qatar, accusing them of “stalemate” for failing to advance in talks aimed at renewing cessation of hostilities. Afterwards, Hamas announced it would no longer release captives until the war in Gaza was over.
