The IDF has reported that several bodies were located in Gaza on Saturday night. They have not yet identified if they are hostages, although that is a strong possibility, and have asked social media users to stop spreading rumors until the identities can be verified.
Tensions have been raised over the negotiation talks, with a reported spat between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. After the announcement from the IDF, the Hostage Family Forum, known for their slogan “Bring Them Home Now,” said on their X account:
“Netanyahu abandoned the abductees! This is now a fact. Starting tomorrow, the country will tremble. We call on the public to prepare.”
Some of those grieving have placed blame on Netanyahu, even though Hamas has rejected every offer given to them. It’s a heartbreaking scenario where there is no win for the families who have lost loved ones.
The Hostage Forum accompanied the families of the hostages as they symbolically breached the fence on the border with Gaza on Thursday to call out to their loved ones. Security forces urged them to turn back, which they eventually did. It was a moment that captured the desperation and heartbreak the families feel.
“I’m still not sure if it was the right decision not to keep going toward Gaza,” Gil Dickmann, cousin of hostage Carmel Gat, told Ynet. “Next time we’ll be more — hundreds, thousands — and we won’t stop.”
I need you to know that I am giving you now the blessing I give you every single morning when I pray for you, and every Friday night I go out on the porch, towards Gaza, and I give you the Kohanic blessing: May God bless you and keep you. May God shine His face upon you and be gracious to you.”
Early this morning families expressed their longing, love, pain, and struggle to end the abandonment of their relatives, hoping their voices will be heard.
In Chicago, Jeremiah Smith felt personally impacted by the Goldberg family and has dedicated his life since October 7 to bringing awareness to the hostages. He drives a truck with their faces on it six days a week.
The IDF is expected to announce the identities within the next couple of days as they are confirmed and families are notified. This is a developing story.
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