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Israeli Hostage Families Accuse Netanyahu of Missing Historic Opportunity as 58 Held in Gaza; Protests Demand Prisoner Swap

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Updated May 18, 2025, 08:38 AM

Israeli families of hostages held in Gaza have accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of missing a historic opportunity to secure the release of their loved ones. The families, representing 58 hostages held by Hamas for over 589 days since October 7, 2023, have urged Netanyahu and the negotiating delegation in Doha to end the war and pursue a comprehensive prisoner exchange deal. They warn that the continuation of the conflict will result in the deaths of the remaining hostages and accuse Netanyahu of pursuing the war for political reasons, serving an extremist minority, and sabotaging ceasefire and negotiation efforts. Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, received a sign of life from her son through freed hostage Edan Alexander, confirming he is still alive.

Protests have erupted in Tel Aviv and other locations, with thousands of Israelis demanding an end to the war in Gaza and a full prisoner swap. Supporters of Netanyahu have reportedly attacked some demonstrators. Hamas, described as an Iran-backed terrorist organization, continues to hold hostages under harsh conditions, with up to 23 presumed alive and at imminent risk, while 35 hostages have been killed and their bodies ransomed. Families have also appealed to former US President Donald Trump to intervene and set a deadline for ending the conflict. Meanwhile, some Israeli officials like Ben Gvir have criticized ongoing negotiation efforts and called for renewed military operations in Gaza.

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#Israeli #Gaza #Benjamin Netanyahu #Hamas #Netanyahu #Doha #Einav Zangauker #Matan Zangauker #Edan Alexander #Tel Aviv #Iran #US #Donald Trump #Ben Gvir

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Sources

jpost.com(2)i24news.tv(2)timesofisrael.com(2)v.aa.com.tr

First Squawk

@FirstSquawk

Mother of a prisoner in Gaza: Hamas is ready to release all the kidnapped soldiers and stop the war, and Netanyahu wants a partial deal that preserves his interests.

الجزيرة - عاجل

@AJABreaking

Urgent | The mother of a prisoner in Gaza: Hamas is ready to release all abductees and stop the war. Netanyahu wants a partial deal that preserves his interests

الجزيرة - عاجل

@AJABreaking

Urgent | The mother of an Israeli prisoner in Gaza: Israel still insists on a partial deal despite the passage of 600 days since the abduction of my son in the Gaza Strip