jpwinner gaming One Year on, Israel’s Hostage Families Vow to Keep Fighting as War Escalates
One year after their relatives were kidnapped during the Hamas-led attacks of Oct. 7jpwinner gaming, 2023, the family members of hostages pushing for a cease-fire deal have become polarizing figures within Israel, as divisions over the goals of the war in Gaza have emerged.
Thousands protest alongside them in the streets of Tel Aviv every Saturday, and over time, the movement has escalated its tactics to put pressure on the government to bring the remaining hostages home.
Around two-thirds of the roughly 100 hostages who remain in Gaza are believed to be alive.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing coalition have said the war will continue until Israel achieves what they call “total victory,” which they define as the complete elimination of Hamas.
The families of hostages involved in the protest movement say this goal is unrealistic, and that time is running out for their loved ones.
Einav Zangauker’s son Matan, 24, was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz on Oct. 7, 2023, along with his girlfriend, Ilana Gritzewsky Kimchi, 31. She was released on Nov. 30 as part of the first cease-fire deal.
Ms. Zangauker, who is from a small right-wing city in southern Israel, has become a prominent voice in the pro-deal hostage family movement which has gained both broad support and faced fervent criticism.
Ms. Zangauker’s position represents the majority of hostage families, while a smaller group of family members say the government should continue fighting Hamasjpwinner gaming, even if it prolongs their loved ones’ captivity.