As we write this, the situation in Gaza is deteriorating. Widespread protests are breaking out throughout Israel as the situation grows more dire for hostages taken by Hamas. No wonder former President Donald Trump has openly cheered Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s hardline, maximalist negotiation approach. Simultaneously, he has publicly called out his worst fears for the fate of hostages. During a recent press briefing at the White House, Trump indicated that some of the 20 hostages presumed alive may have “recently died,” raising alarms among families and the Israeli public.
As it stands today, Israel’s current hostage count is still at 48, including 20 hostages presumed alive in Gaza. Regardless of what Trump said, there are no indications that the Israeli government has changed its official number. Tens of thousands of demonstrators—600,000 according to organizers—have poured into the streets. They continue to express their desire to work directly and transparently with the families of hostages taken during the crisis.
Viki Cohen, mother of hostage Nimrod Cohen, speaking to a rally in Jerusalem last week, calling attention to the immediate threat to life. “We are in life or death minutes,” she urged. Her testimony laid bare the fear and urgency that families experienced as they searched for missing loved ones. Orna Neutra, whose son Omer Neutra was killed by Hamas, voiced her fears regarding the military operation in Gaza, stating, “The conquest of Gaza poses a clear and imminent danger to the hostage.”
Public dissent has exploded, with as many as 500,000 Israelis hitting the streets in weekly protests. FleetwoodArtist/Adobe The first wave of tactics Many of these protesters focused their ire on Trump and the Israeli leadership. A second banner hung from the same square in Tel Aviv read: “Trump – release the hostages today! Both of these protests express frustration at the government’s perceived failure to act, or foster a sense of urgency, and a wish for faster negotiations on hostages’ release.
Trump also claimed that the protests, still going strong months later, put Israel in an “awkward situation.” Those widespread protests in Israel over the hostages, a double edged sword forcing Israel’s hand through popular pressure Robert/Israel-Palestine. He just said, “I’ve never experienced anything like this, the unconditional love they have for their children,” he recalled. His remarks further illustrate the emotional, mental, and societal costs this crisis is imposing on American families and society as a whole.
Israel Katz, Israel’s Defense Minister went to great lengths to double-down on his government’s military commitment. As the rally ended, he announced, “We’re not done. This statement indicates that despite public pressure, Israel intends to persist with its military offensive against Hamas in Gaza City. The IDF recently made a dramatic shift in their military campaign, leveling two high-rise buildings in the city.
The reality isn’t quite that simple. The last proposal, recently accepted by Hamas and the Palestinian side of the conflict, was for a phased handover — 10 living hostages and 18 dead hostages over a 60-day ceasefire would be granted. Last but certainly not least, Netanyahu has put forward a precise ask. He is demanding a more complete deal, one where all hostages are released and Hamas are disarmed before any ceasefire is created.
Families of hostages have been kept up-to-date by Israeli military officials about the dangers of continued military operations. Least not among the things I heard was fear that these moves would potentially endanger their family members. With these words, Neutra captured the collective fear of American families. He recognized their desire to move methodically without injuring hostages, but said some things are still out of their hand.
As calls for de-escalation grow louder both on the Israeli government and Hamas, international observers are still watching and reading the situation carefully. The ongoing hostage crisis is an immediate crisis for Israel’s leadership to address. It engenders distrust and fear among citizens as they fear for the lives of their family members.
