Israel to hostage families: No updates, operation endangers their lives

Israeli officers in charge of prisoner of war and missing persons affairs have told relatives of hostages that the current military operation in Gaza is increasing both the danger to the captives’ lives and the likelihood that the remains of those already killed could be lost.

According to reports by Detaly.co.il, officials also cautioned families to prepare for psychological pressure from Hamas, including the possible release of videos featuring their loved ones.

In a statement, the Hostages’ Families Forum said: “We have not been presented with any plan that would guarantee Operation Gideon’s Chariots II will not turn into another killing of six.”

The forum added that relatives were “shaken by the Chief of Staff’s decision to take part in an unnecessary war, despite acknowledging that the same goals could be achieved by means that do not endanger hostages and soldiers. What did not work in Gideon’s Chariots I will not work in the second attempt, nor in the seventh. There is an agreement on the table — that is what will bring the last hostage home and end the war.”

Israel’s military said on September 5 it struck a high-rise building in Gaza City allegedly used by Hamas, as preparations intensify for a wider ground offensive in the territory’s largest urban centre.

The army said the building housed Hamas infrastructure, including positions for surveillance and attacks. It added that further strikes would target high-rise structures being used for military purposes.

Gaza’s civil defence reported at least 19 people killed in Israeli strikes in and around the city, saying residential buildings and shelters for displaced civilians were among the sites hit. More than a million people are facing famine conditions in the enclave, according to the UN.

Israel has signalled it will not give advance notice of the timing of its Gaza City operation in order to retain “the element of surprise”. Military officials say troops already control about 40 percent of the city.

Hamas, meanwhile, released a video on the same day that appeared to show two hostages, with one urging Israel not to proceed with the planned offensive.

By Aghakazim Guliyev