Hostages' Families Urge Trump to Reconsider Cooperation with Netanyahu

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza have called on U.S. President Donald Trump to refrain from collaborating with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of being responsible for the deaths of 37 captives.

The demonstration took place in Tel Aviv on Thursday, with relatives demanding accountability for the tragic fate of their loved ones. Naama Weinberg, whose cousin Itay Svirsky died after spending 99 days in captivity, voiced her anguish during the protest. "Netanyahu is responsible for the death and murder of 37 hostages," she stated, addressing Trump directly, "Don't cooperate with Netanyahu. Don't be the one that abandons the hostages. Don't be the one that would be responsible for the death of those that are still alive."

Despite their criticism of Netanyahu, the protestors expressed their desire for Trump to press the Israeli government for a deal that would secure the release of all hostages still held by Hamas.

In response, Trump recently issued a "last warning" to Hamas regarding the release of hostages. Following a meeting with eight former hostages at the White House on Wednesday, Trump declared on his social media platform, Truth Social, that he was "sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job."

This firm stance from Trump came as U.S. officials revealed that they had engaged in "ongoing talks and discussions" with Hamas officials, signaling a shift in U.S. policy, which has long refrained from direct engagement with the militant group.

Hamas, however, dismissed Trump's comments on Thursday, reiterating its position that it would only release the remaining Israeli hostages in exchange for a lasting ceasefire. The militant group accused both Trump and Netanyahu of attempting to backtrack on a ceasefire agreement made in January, which involved negotiations for the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, a permanent ceasefire, and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

Israeli officials estimate that around 24 living hostages, along with the bodies of at least 35 others, are still being held in Gaza. Meanwhile, Israel has suspended the entry of essential supplies, including food, fuel, and medicine, into the Gaza Strip, as part of its pressure campaign on Hamas to accept an alternative arrangement for the ceasefire and the hostages' release.