Hostage Families Accuse Netanyahu of Sabotaging Gaza Release Deal

Families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas have accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of obstructing peace negotiations and the safe return of their loved ones, particularly criticizing Israel’s recent strike targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum stated that Netanyahu’s actions, including the attack in Doha, have sabotaged ceasefire efforts and prolonged the conflict, which they claim has already led to the deaths of many hostages. Netanyahu defends the strike as necessary to eliminate Hamas leaders who he says are blocking ceasefire attempts and perpetuating the war in Gaza. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Israel, expressing that President Donald Trump was unhappy with the Qatar strike but reaffirmed the strong U.S.-Israeli relationship and emphasized the priority of ending the war and securing the hostages' release. The strike has drawn international condemnation and raised concerns about escalating regional tensions, while hostage families continue to call for a comprehensive agreement to end the war and bring all captives home. The ongoing conflict has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with extensive casualties and displacement, amid accusations that Israel’s military actions constitute genocide, which Israel denies.