The family members of the two hostages believed to be currently held in Gaza confronted Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant outside his home in northern Israel on Friday. The exchange occurred while Gallant was attempting to explain to two women protesting in the street the Israeli government's strategy regarding the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Gallant stated: "The nature of the current situation is not that we will give Hamas everything, and they will give us everything; that is not what they want. They have different aspirations, so it is merely psychological deception."
In response, Ivette, cousin of Ofer Calderon, who is believed to be held hostage in Gaza, said, "If this does not happen tomorrow, they will actually die," adding that "your idea of pumping water into the tunnels will kill them."
Gallant continued to try to explain the government's position, saying: "I am explaining something else. Hamas is only willing to talk to us when we use force; if we do not pressure them, we will not bring them anywhere." He mentioned that he believed "pressure is what pushed Hamas to reach a temporary ceasefire and an agreement for the release of hostages last month" and tried to reassure the two women, saying, "It will happen again."
Conversely, Devorah Leishim, grandmother of Romi Jonin, who is believed to be held in Gaza, said, "Every minute their lives are at risk. Do you know what they eat? Rice and a cup of seawater. How long can they live on that? There is no sun, no light.”
Gallant responded, "We understand the situation, and we want to do things as quickly as possible, but unfortunately, it does not depend only on us. There is another team, and they are playing along psychological and practical levels."
Leishim urged the minister to prioritize rescuing the hostages first before fighting Hamas. Before departing, he tried to convince the women, saying, "We will make every effort." Calderon concluded, "As soon as possible, so they do not return inside coffins, but alive."
