Families of Israeli hostages staged a protest outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem following reports of Israeli military escalation in the Gaza Strip.
Hostage Families Condemn Israeli Military Action
As news of the Israeli military offensive in Gaza broke, families of hostages held by Hamas organized a protest outside Netanyahu’s residence. They believe the full-scale offensive on the Gaza Strip increases the risk for the hostages being held by Hamas and feel that the hostages are being used as human shields.
Netanyahu Leaves Residence Amidst Protests
According to Al Jazeera, when Prime Minister Netanyahu learned of the planned protests outside his Jerusalem residence, he quickly left the residence within minutes.
Trump and Rubio Respond
US President Donald Trump tweeted: “Just read reports that Hamas is using hostages as human shields against Israel’s ground offensive. I hope Hamas leaders realize what they are getting into if they do. Release all hostages immediately!”
US Senator Marco Rubio, visiting Israel, met with the families of the hostages. “Their stories are painful and unimaginable. This war has already lasted long enough. Hamas must immediately release all hostages, living and dead,” Rubio wrote on X.
Israeli Military Offensive on Gaza
The Israeli military offensive on Gaza includes artillery shelling and airstrikes, followed by tank and ground forces. The Jerusalem Post reports that the intensity of overnight clashes in northern Gaza was the highest in two years, with Ynet reporting that Israel forces conducted 37 attacks within 20 minutes using drones, helicopters, and artillery.
