WASHINGTON, D.C. – Israel’s Prime Minister is reportedly pushing to occupy all of the Gaza strip. Families of hostages still held in Gaza are concerned that these plans could further endanger the hostages and possibly lose any chance of getting them back home.
Since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel that left roughly 12-hundred dead and hundreds of hostages taken, Israel has been criticized for their military actions in Gaza. Most recently, there’s widespread concerns over the hunger crisis happening in Gaza due to military strikes and restrictions of aid entering the Strip. Many have died due to starvation. With these reported plans, there are now more concerns that Israel’s plan could decrease the chances of getting the remaining hostages home.
The spokesperson for the State Department, Tammy Bruce, didn’t offer too much when asked if the US supports these reported plans. Bruce stated they are not in the business of interpreting foreign government’s statements or reported plans.
“We do remain focused on freeing the hostages including the remains of two Americans and ensuring that Hamas never rules Gaza again,” said Bruce.
Earlier this year, a Pew Research Center poll shows a third of Israelis believed that their country should govern Gaza after the war with Hamas ends. Out of the other options offered, that was the most popular among Israeli adults overall. The other options included Hamas, the Palestinian Authority, the United Nations and the people who live in Gaza. The amount of Israelis who said Israel should govern Gaza is down from 40 percent from 2024.
