Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Yemeni Armed Forces spokesperson Brigadier General Yahya Saree: The missile force carried out a major operation using the Palestine 2 ballistic hypersonic missile, hitting several targets in occupied Yafa.
Sirens sound in large areas of occupied Palestine after a missile launch from Yemen was detected
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: 14 martyrs arrive at al-Shifa Hospital following Israeli massacre of al-Sultan Family north of Gaza.
Qatari PM: We must not surrender to the arrogance of extremists and pursue our quest for a 'two-state solution'
Qatari PM: The only path to peace begins through negotiations and a ceasefire
Qatari PM: We demand that the Security Council assume its historical responsibility, as silence in the face of the law of the jungle undermines international peace and destabilizes the UN system
Qatari PM: The extremists who rule "Israel" do not care about the lives of the "hostages"; otherwise, how can the timing and location of the attack be explained?
Qatari PM: 'Israel's' attack on Hamas leaders in Doha is a violation of Qatar's sovereignty
Qatari PM: The ongoing [Israeli] violations only prove one thing: the Israeli officials' drunkenness on power amid impunity
Yemeni Ministry of Health: The death toll from the Israeli aggression on Sanaa and Al-Jawf Governorate has risen to 46, in addition to 165 injuries, including a large number of women and children, according to a non-final toll

Israeli captive families slam Gaza plan, as Smotrich vows 'occupation'

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Israeli media
  • 5 May 2025 15:44
4 Min Read

As families of Israeli captives accuse the government of prioritizing territory over lives, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich insists there will be no withdrawal from Gaza, even for a deal.

Listen
  • x
  • Israeli captive families slam Gaza plan, as Smotrich vows 'occupation'
    People take part in a protest demanding the immediate release of captives held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, in Tel Aviv, on Saturday, April 19, 2025 (AP)

Families of the Israeli captives held in the Gaza Strip accused the government on Monday of sacrificing the remaining captives through the newly approved military escalation plan.

The Hostage and Missing Families Forum, which represents the majority of families whose relatives are held in Gaza, issued a strong rebuke to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, accusing it of abandoning the captives in favor of a political agenda focused on territorial control.

The statement came in response to an announcement by an "Israeli official" that the cabinet-approved operations plan includes the “conquering of Gaza and holding territories.”

The forum condemned the move as the "Smotrich-Netanyahu war plan," pointing out that it prioritizes ideological goals over the urgent humanitarian objective of recovering the captives in Gaza.

Agreement with Hamas only viable option

The families of the captives fear that the current escalation puts their relatives' lives in danger and undermines the chances of a Gaza prisoner exchange deal.

Former Israeli military Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi previously informed the families that military operations alone are insufficient for the captives' safe return, stressing that an agreement with Hamas remains the only viable option.

“The government admitted this morning that it is choosing territory over hostages,” the statement read, “and this is against the will of over 70% of the people.”

Recent polling supports the forum’s claim, showing a clear majority of the Israeli public would prefer a deal for the captives' release, even if it requires ending the war on Gaza.

Read more: 'Israel' plans to control Gaza humanitarian aid amid UN rejection: WP

Smotrich says 'Israel' will 'finally' occupy Gaza

Related News

Iran’s Larijani urges Islamic nations to act over Gaza crisis

Gaza toll climbs to 64,803 with 47 killed, 205 injured in 24 hours

But extremist ministers such as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich continue to advocate for using the war to restore Israeli settlements in the Palestinian enclave.

In a provocative statement, Smotrich declared that "Israel" will not withdraw from the Gaza Strip under any circumstances, including the possibility of a new prisoner exchange deal.

Speaking at a conference hosted by Besheva newspaper, Smotrich openly called for the full reoccupation of Gaza, framing it as a necessary step in the war effort.

“We are finally going to occupy the Gaza Strip. We will stop being afraid of the word ‘occupation,’” Smotrich said in an interview with Israeli Channel 12 journalist Amit Segal.

Smotrich opposes any retreat from Gaza

The Israeli finance minister asserted that there would be “no retreat from the territories we have conquered, not even in exchange for hostages.”

He claimed the only way to release the captives is by completely subduing Hamas, warning, “Any retreat will bring about the next October 7.”

“Once as we occupy and stay [in Gaza] we can talk about sovereignty. But I did not demand that this be included among the goals of the war. First, we will defeat Hamas and prevent it from existing,” Smotrich explained.

Currently, the Palestinian Resistance is holding 59 captives, including 58 taken during the October 7, 2023, operation. Among them are the bodies of at least 35 individuals confirmed dead by the Israeli occupation military.

Read more: 'Israel' intensifies attacks on Gaza as death toll exceeds 52,000

'Israel' had postponed expanding Gaza op. due to Trump's visit

The Israeli newspaper Maariv reported that the central goal of the military campaign—retrieving captives—has not been achieved, pointing out that Hamas’ position in negotiations remains unchanged.

It said that despite some calls for a full-scale assault, the Israeli government settled on a limited immediate operation, aimed at increasing pressure on Hamas brigades and pushing civilians into so-called humanitarian zones.

According to Maariv, "Israel" had postponed broader escalation out of respect for US President Donald Trump's upcoming visit to the region.

The report also noted operational and political factors delaying a wider campaign, including the need to complete training for reserve units and ongoing hopes that mediator Qatar, under Trump’s influence, might pressure Hamas toward a deal.

Read more: Captive families say Netanyahu 'criminal against his own people'

  • Gaza Strip
  • Palestine
  • Israel
  • Benjamin Netanyahu
  • Bezalel Smotrich
  • Gaza
  • Israeli captives

Most Read

The damaged building in the Katara neighborhood, Doha, Qatar, September 9, 2025 (Social media)

Hamas delegation survives Israeli assassination attempt in Qatar

  • Politics
  • 9 Sep 2025
Israeli police and rescue teams respond at the scene of a shooting attack where several people killed and injured in Jerusalem, Monday, Sept. 8, 2025 (AP)

Al-Quds shooting: 7 settlers killed, several critically injured

  • Politics
  • 8 Sep 2025
Pro-"Israel" conservative Charlie Kirk shot during Utah speech

Pro-'Israel' far-right Charlie Kirk shot dead during Utah speech

  • US & Canada
  • 11 Sep 2025
Damage sustained after a Yemeni drone exploded in Ramon Airport, southern occupied Palestine, Sunday, September 7, 2025 (Social Media)

Yemeni drone successfully hits Ramon Airport in southern Palestine

  • Politics
  • 7 Sep 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

Read Next

All
Iranian Secretary of Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani, waves as he leaves the grave of former Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, in Beirut, Lebanon, Wednesday, August 13, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Iran’s Larijani urges Islamic nations to act over Gaza crisis

A passerby wearing a keffiyeh walks past a banner reading 'Welcome to the people's university for Palestine' at Oxford University on 7 May 2024 (AFP/Adrian Dennis)
Politics

Universities cut ties with Israeli academia over war on Gaza

The lethal injection table is shown in the execution chamber at the Utah State Correctional Facility after the Taberon Honie execution Thursday, August 8, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, Pool)
Politics

Charlie Kirk killing renews debate on death penalty in the US

A banner depicting US President Donald Trump is seen at the arrival terminal of the Incheon International Airport, in Incheon, South Korea, Friday, September 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)
Politics

South Korea condemns US immigration raid that detained 300 workers

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS