The families of the hostages from the right-wing Tikva Forum spoke to the press on Monday following Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s decision to allow the entry of humanitarian aid into the Strip.

The families vehemently called on the government to stop “courting Hamas” and to act to release all the hostages in a decisive and uncompromising military operation.

Boaz Miran, brother of hostage Omri Miran, said: “The Prime Minister justifies his surrender and the entry of humanitarian aid with the risk to the military operation. Following the entry of this aid, soldiers will be killed and the release of the hostages will be delayed, as has happened throughout the war until now. They talk about international pressure – I ask, does Hamas abide by humanitarian laws towards our hostages? Do they see doctors? Do they receive medication? Is there a list detailing their condition? Why is the government constantly defending and justifying itself?”

“The political echelon is showing weakness. The humanitarian issue is critical, allowing Hamas to strengthen and delay the return of our loved ones. There should be no humanitarian aid until all the hostages are released.”

Shimon Or, uncle of hostage Avinatan Or: “When you negotiate with an organization that you say needs to be eliminated, and you court it to get half of the hostages, you make a fool of yourself. If you court Hamas, you will not get the hostages nor the victory you so desire. Stop courting Hamas, go for a full ultimatum – to expel Hamas and control Gaza militarily and civically. Only then will we bring back the living and the fallen.”

Eliyahu Libman, father of Elyakimm Libman, H’yd, [whose body is being held by Hamas], said: “Whoever has mercy on hungry Arabs in Gaza causes the hostages not to be released. We need to cause hunger in Gaza – they should have nothing – so that they will want to return all the hostages to us in one go, on one bus. The people of Israel want responsibility and victory.”

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)