Middle East Netanyahu Pushes for Military Action to Free Hostages

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly advocating for a military solution to rescue hostages held by Hamas. According to an Israeli source, diplomatic efforts have stalled, prompting Netanyahu to consider expanding military operations in Gaza. Approximately 20 hostages remain captive since the attack by Hamas on 7th October 2023.

 

Israeli and US officials have maintained ongoing discussions, but hopes for a diplomatic resolution seem to be fading. The Israeli source revealed that Netanyahu believes Hamas is not interested in negotiating for the hostages' release. Consequently, a military approach is being prioritised.

 

In Tel Aviv, thousands have taken to the streets urging the government to act swiftly to ensure the hostages’ safe return. Emotions ran high with family members, like Ilay David, stating their loved ones’ lives hang in the balance. A video released by Hamas showed a visibly frail Evyatar David, highlighting the gravity of the situation, reported ABC News.

 

Tensions escalated following the visit of US officials, including Steve Witcoff, President Trump's Middle East envoy, who met with affected families. Their visit coincides with growing global concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where famine looms and malnutrition claims lives.

 

The Hamas-run health ministry reports that starvation in Gaza has caused at least 175 deaths, including 93 children. Despite Israel’s assertions about sufficient aid provision, international organisations and the UN dispute this, citing ongoing malnutrition.

 

The Israeli source mentioned humanitarian aid continues to reach non-combat zones of Gaza. However, areas under Hamas control remain challenging. The international community watches closely as this complex humanitarian and security crisis unfolds, with calls for an immediate and sustainable resolution echoing worldwide.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from ABC News 2025-08-04

 

[Emdog]

Um... "military action to free hostages"? What have they been doing? Does this mean less focus on genocide?

[bannork]

Videos of emaciated Israeli hostages in Gaza increase pressure on Netanyahu for a ceasefire

 

New images of emaciated Israeli hostages held in Gaza have horrified Israelis and added pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach a ceasefire with Hamas, even as his government considers another expansion of the nearly 22-month war.

 

The videos released late last week by militant groups Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad show two skeletal hostages pleading for their lives. In one, Evyatar David says he is digging his own grave and speaks of days without food. In the other, Rom Braslavsky writhes in agony on a dirty mattress and says injuries in his foot prevent him from being able to stand.

 

The videos led tens of thousands of Israelis to take to the streets on Saturday night and demand a ceasefire deal, in one of the largest turnouts for the weekly protests in recent months.

 

Videos of emaciated Israeli hostages in Gaza increase pressure on Netanyahu for a ceasefire

[JonnyF]

It's disgusting that the hostages haven't been released by Hamas.

 

Especially now as we see them being forced to dig their own graves while being filmed for the world to see.

 

Absolute savages. 

 

Starmer's promises haven't helped either. He's turning out to be even worse than Blair.