Daijiworld Media Network – Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Mar 22: Around 40 former hostages and over 250 family members of those still held captive by Hamas have called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to negotiations. In a letter released on Friday, the signatories demanded the Israeli government prioritize the release of hostages over continued military action.

"This letter is written in blood and tears," they stated, emphasizing that military pressure is endangering the captives rather than securing their return. The letter accused the government of prioritizing war over the lives of the hostages, calling its approach “criminal” and stating that 41 hostages had already lost their lives due to ongoing operations.

The signatories, including former hostages and grieving families, expressed their frustration with the Israeli leadership, warning that if no action is taken, the "blood of the next hostage killed will be on your hands." They urged the government to fully implement an agreement that would secure the release of all captives, even if it meant ending the war.

Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) resumed military operations in Gaza early Tuesday, targeting mid-level Hamas commanders and political figures. The strikes, which began around 2 am, marked a renewed push by the Israeli military, though Hamas had not launched any rockets in retaliation as of eight hours later. The IDF has urged Gaza residents to move further inland to avoid being caught in the escalating conflict.