As Israel pummels Gaza, families of those held hostage by militants agonize over loved ones’ safety
1 year, 2 months ago

As Israel pummels Gaza, families of those held hostage by militants agonize over loved ones’ safety

Associated Press  

JERUSALEM — In the hours after Hamas blew through Israel’s heavily fortified separation fence and crossed into the country from Gaza, Ahal Besorai tried desperately to reach his sister. “I pray to God every day that she will be found alive with her family and we can all be reunited.” As Israel strikes back with missile attacks on targets in Gaza, the families grapple with the knowledge that it could come at the cost of their loved ones’ lives. Hamas has warned it will kill one of the 130 hostages every time Israel’s military bombs civilian targets in Gaza without warning. Since the family found out they were taken hostage, the woman’s sister has been so mortified that she is “like a zombie, alive and dead at the same time” said Shnaider, a real estate agent in the Israeli city of Holon. “This war crime will not be forgiven.” Hamas has also said it seeks the release of all Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails — some 4,500 detainees, according to Israeli human rights group B’Tselem — in exchange for the Israeli captives.

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