Some hostage families say Israel should continue fighting Hamas

As mediators pursue a deal that would free hostages from Gaza in exchange for a break Amid Israel's military campaign, a small group of relatives of Israeli hostages say the government must continue to wage war against Hamas — even if it prolongs the captivity of their loved ones.

Relatives of three hostages say Israel should not agree to a deal with Hamas until the Israeli army has achieved its objectives in the war. They have formed a group called Forum Tikvaor 'hope', to put pressure on their position.

That brings them into conflict with the Hostages and Missing Persons Family Forumthe main alliance of hostage families, which has strongly urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to prioritize the release of the prisoners.

One of the founders of Forum Tikva is Tzvika Mor, whose son Eitan worked there a security guard at the Tribe of Nova music festival on October 7. Eitan became one of about 240 civilians and soldiers Israel says were abducted to Gaza in the Hamas-led attack that day. Any negotiation with Hamas, Mr. Mor said, must come from a position of strength.

“I want my son back now, but I want the Israeli government to make a good deal for the entire people of Israel, not just me,” he said.

His comments reflect the emotionally charged debate in Israel over the fate of the hostages as the war in Gaza enters its fifth month. At least 30 of the approximately 136 remaining hostages were captured on October 7 they are believed to be deadThis is evident from an analysis by the Israeli intelligence services. As the hostages' families take off more aggressive protests Demanding that Israel secure their release has sparked a dispute among Israelis over the costs the country is willing to bear to have the remaining prisoners brought home.

Mr. Mor said Israel should not agree to a deal with Hamas that would involve hostage exchanges for Palestinian prisoners he considers dangerous, such as those convicted of involvement in attacks that killed Israelis. During a week-long ceasefire in November, about 100 hostages were exchanged for 240 Palestinians held in Israel. most of whom were young and had not been convicted of crimes.

Hamas this week handed a plan to Qatari and Egyptian mediators calling on Israel to withdraw from Gaza, commit to a long-term ceasefire and exchange hostages for Palestinians held in Israel. Mr. Netanyahu dismissed Hamas' offer as 'ridiculous' Wednesday and indicated that Israel would continue fighting in Gaza, saying victory was “within reach.”

Mr. Mor said he and other members of Forum Tikva were willing to accept that their loved ones would remain in captivity for longer if Israel did not reach a deal soon.

“Like any other son who went to war, my son knows he may not come back,” Mr. Mor said. “But he does it to save the nation of Israel.”