Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly advocating for a military operation to rescue the remaining hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, as diplomatic efforts stall and public pressure mounts.
Over the weekend, tens of thousands of Israelis flooded the streets of Tel Aviv in one of the largest demonstrations since the war in Gaza began. Protesters demanded an end to the conflict and the immediate release of hostages abducted during Hamas’s surprise attack on October 7, 2023.
“They are on the absolute brink of death,” said Ilay David, whose brother Evyatar David is believed to be among the roughly 20 hostages still alive. “In the current unimaginable condition, they may have only days left to live.”
A video released by Hamas over the weekend showed Evyatar David appearing severely emaciated, intensifying public outrage and calls for urgent action.
Netanyahu’s Shift Toward Military Action
An Israeli official told ABC News that Netanyahu is now pushing for a “military solution” to extract the hostages, citing Hamas’s unwillingness to negotiate. The official added that Israeli and U.S. officials remain in constant dialogue, but there is growing consensus in Jerusalem that Hamas is not interested in striking a deal.
“Therefore, Prime Minister Netanyahu is pushing to expand military operations to release the hostages through a military solution,” the official said.
Netanyahu’s remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of Israel’s military strategy and humanitarian policies in Gaza. Speaking on Capitol Hill in Washington last month, the prime minister reiterated his commitment to defeating Hamas and securing the hostages’ release.
U.S. Envoys Meet Hostage Families
The Tel Aviv protest erupted just hours after Steve Witcoff, Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, met with families of the hostages. Witcoff, accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, also toured the aid distribution system in Gaza on Friday, amid growing international concern over famine conditions.
Gaza’s Hunger Crisis Deepens
Humanitarian organizations and international bodies have warned for months that Gaza is facing “critical” levels of hunger. The Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health reports at least 175 deaths from malnutrition, including 93 children.
While Israel insists it is allowing sufficient aid into Gaza, the United Nations and other aid groups say the supplies are inadequate. The Israeli official told ABC News that humanitarian aid will continue to flow into areas outside combat zones and regions no longer under Hamas control.
