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

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'