A pressure group representing the families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip stated that the families' concern for the hostages has intensified since the army ramped up its ground attacks within Palestinian territories. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in a statement, "This night has been the hardest ever amid the large-scale operation of the Israeli army in the sector."
It added that the hostages held by Hamas are exposed to the same intense shelling as the Palestinian population and that their families are suffering from "anxiety and disappointment" because the long-awaited Israeli ground invasion will put them at greater risk.
In a protest outside the Israeli Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv, dozens gathered holding pictures of the captives and chanting "Bring them back now." Merav Leishman-Gonen, whose daughter Romi is believed to have been kidnapped from the Nova music festival site, stated that any military operation should consider the fate of their loved ones, who have been isolated from the outside world for three weeks.
She added, "We are scared and worried. Where are they? What is happening to them? Who is taking care of them? We heard yesterday about the tanks entering the sector and we are all concerned." She described the meeting with Netanyahu as difficult, saying that the families believe that reaching a swap deal, which would involve the release of all Palestinian prisoners in Israel in exchange for all the hostages, would have broad public support.
