JERUSALEM, Israel – Families of Israeli hostages gathered Monday outside Israeli’s military headquarters in Tel Aviv ahead of their meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his war cabinet.
The prime minister told the familes that the return of the hostages is a “sacred mission,” and that he and his “friends” are responsible for their return.
For the families, though, it didn’t go far enough.
Udi Goren, whose cousin, Tal Chaim, is being held captive in Gaza, said, “What we’ve heard is that taking down Hamas and bringing the hostages are as important –are equally important. As far as I am concerned, and I represent myself and my family, this is incredibly disappointing.”
Goren believes the return of the hostages should be the top priority now. Yet he says it makes sense that details of any deal are a secret.
“It makes you know, it just takes common sense to understand that if they told us about the details of the deal that is now being done, then it might jeopardize it,” he stated.
Hamas leader Ismail Yaniyeh indicated a deal is close. Agence France Presse reported 50 to 100 Israeli and foreign civilian hostages would be released, in exchange for around 300 Palestinians
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