Israel's Hostage Forum Calls PM Netanyahu 'Hambatan' To End Gaza War

PM Netanyahu met representatives of the victim's family and Israeli hostages Sumber GPO Kobi Gideon

JAKARTA - The Israeli hostage advocacy group at the weekend accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of being the main obstacle to the release of prisoners in the Gaza Strip, hours after he blamed Hamas leaders for extending the war.

"The targeted operation in Qatar proves without a doubt, there is one obstacle to repatriating the hostages and ending the war: Prime Minister Netanyahu," the Hostage and Missing Family Forum said in a statement, referring to a recent Israeli attack on a meeting of Hamas members in the Gulf state. , reported Daily Sabah September 14.

"Every time the deal approaches, Netanyahu sabotages it," they added.

Earlier on Saturday night Netanyahu said eliminating Hamas leaders in Qatar would end the war, accusing the group of thwarting previous attempts to secure a ceasefire.

"Hamas leaders living in Qatar don't care about the people in Gaza. They blocked all ceasefire attempts to prolong the war relentlessly," he said on social media X.

"Get rid of them will get rid of the main barriers to free all of our hostages and end the war," he added.

However, the forum considers the allegations as Netanyahu's latest "cause" to fail to repatriate the prisoners.

"The time has come to end the reasons designed to buy time so he can defend power," the forum said.

"This obstacle threatens the lives of other hostages who have barely survived after nearly two years of recovery from those who have died," they added.

Previously, the families of Israeli hostages detained in the Gaza Strip were concerned about the impact of the attack targeting the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Doha, Qatar.

The Headquarters of the Family Hostages and Missing Persons Forum, which represents the families of the hostages in Gaza, said the families were "monitoring developments in Doha with deep concern and deep anxiety."

"Deep fear has now enveloped prices the hostages may have to pay," the forum said in a statement.

"We know from survivors who have returned that the revenge aimed at the hostages is brutal," he added.

Meanwhile, Einav Zangauer, the mother of the hostage named Matan Zangauer, highlighted the attack, criticizing Netanyahu's decision. Zangauer was featured in a video of the hostages in December 2024.

"I was shaking with fear. I was shaking by fear. It could be right now, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu basically sentenced Matan to death. Anyone who deliberately chooses to endanger the life of my son means killing him," said Einav.

"Why did the prime minister insist on destroying every small chance to reach an agreement? Why? My Matan's life has been in real danger for 22 months. How long? Repeatedly, the prime minister sabotaged the deal, every deal on the table. I'm fed up. Enough. The Israeli people are tired of this war. Just end it and return everyone to a comprehensive agreement," he added.