Israeli Soldiers And Veterans Demand Hostage Release To Be Priority Than War

Illustration of Israeli Air Force (IAF) personnel. (Source: IDF)

JAKARTA - Nearly 1,000 Israeli Air Force (IAF) soldiers and veterans issued a letter demanding the return of hostages in the Gaza Strip, even if it had to be paid by ending the war against Hamas as a whole.

The letter did not call for a general refusal to serve, as previously reported, but instead urged the government to prioritize the release of hostages over the continuation of the war in Gaza, which the signatories said the letter served "political and personal interests" more than national security.

"Futures of war do not advance the war objectives that have been declared, and will cause the deaths of hostages, IDF soldiers and innocent civilians," the letter, published as an advertisement in a number of Israeli newspapers, reported The Times of Israel on April 10.

"As has been proven in the past, only deals can return the hostages safely, while military pressure has primarily led to the killing of the hostages and endangering our soldiers," the letter read.

"We call on all Israeli citizens to mobilize the action," he added.

All but the five signatories signed on their full names, indicating they are most likely not active soldiers but retired veterans.

However, news site Ynet reported that about 10 percent of the signatories were active soldiers, citing an initial examination of the letter on the IDF.

The head of the IAF, Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar, has reportedly been trying to prevent the publication of the letter, which was originally scheduled for publication on Tuesday.

Major General Bar warned that about 970 personnel, including pilots, officers, and soldiers, could be issued if they did not withdraw their signature from a letter demanding an end to the war in Gaza, local media reported as reported by Daily Sabah.

Following the threat, only 25 signatures withdrew their names, while eight others asked to add their signatures.