TEL AVIV — Ayelet Samerano, whose 21-year-old son Jonathan was abducted by Hamas on Oct. 7, was shocked to see the escalation of Israel’s military attacks on Gaza on television Friday night. The Israeli government had not informed the families of the more than 200 hostages held by Hamas that they were intensifying their siege, which raised concerns for the safety of the captives. As the military operation intensified, families like Samerano’s were torn between their desire for their loved ones’ release and the destruction of the group that kidnapped them. Samerano believed that Hamas was keeping the hostages underground for protection, but other family members were uncertain and worried about the impact of the Israeli offensive on the captives. As the families debated the risks of a ground invasion, they formed a group called the Hostages and Missing Families Forum to communicate and express their concerns. They released a statement expressing their fear for the safety of the hostages during the heavy bombings. On Saturday, the families gathered in central Tel Aviv demanding a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, holding signs and calling for the return of their loved ones. Despite their concerns, some family members believed in a strong military response to defeat Hamas. The group vowed to remain at a government building until they received answers about the well-being of the hostages.
Hamas Hostages and Families Fear for Safety Amid Israel’s Gaza Operation
