Israeli captives families fear for their lives after Doha aggression
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Families of Israeli captives in Gaza fear that "Israel's" aggression in Doha may further complicate the release of captives.
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Relatives and supporters of captives calling for their immediate release and an end to the ongoing war, in occupied al-Quds, Tuesday, Sept 9, 2025 (AP)
Families of Israeli captives held in Gaza have voiced deep concern for their lives after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorized strikes targeting Hamas negotiators in Qatar, a move that coincided with renewed international efforts to broker a ceasefire deal.
To this end, several families demonstrated near the Security Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv, protesting the policies of Benjamin Netanyahu's government in managing the war and neglecting the captives' lives.
They expressed fear that the negotiations would be disrupted after efforts were made in Doha to hold a new round of negotiations.
Qatar has been central in mediating negotiations aimed at securing both a truce and the release of captives. However, relatives of those still held in Gaza said Tuesday’s assassination attempt in Doha endangered the fragile process and could provoke retaliation.
Einav Zangauker, whose son is held in Gaza, said she was trembling with fear after the escalation. "Why does the prime minister insist on blowing up every small chance for a deal? Why?" she asked in a video message to journalists. "The people of Israel are tired of this war. End it already and bring everyone back."
Matan is among 20 captives believed to remain alive nearly two years into the genocidal war in Gaza. Families of those presumed dead worry they may never recover their remains if "Israel" continues its destruction campaign in Gaza.
Udi Goren, whose cousin’s body is still in Gaza, told Reuters that the strike threatened to derail an American-led initiative. "I have no regret in seeing these people punished... However, the only way that my cousin Tal will be back for burial is by a negotiated deal."
Netanyahu’s calculations
Following the aggression on Doha, Netanyahu claimed the operation could accelerate the end of the war. His envoy for captives, Gal Hirsch, told families that Hamas leaders abroad had obstructed ceasefire negotiations.
Critics, however, argue the strike reflects Netanyahu’s unwillingness to pursue any solution, pointing to the continued displacement of Palestinian families fleeing Gaza City following "Israel's" plan to occupy the city.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid also questioned the government’s decision, saying, "The Israeli government must explain how the IDF operation will not lead to the killing of the hostages, and whether the risk to their lives was taken into account."
Why ceasefire talks remain stalled
Despite mediation by Qatar, Egypt, and the US, negotiations remain deadlocked.
Hamas has also shown flexibility on multiple points, including phased truces and the release of captives, but continues to reject any arrangement that would legitimize occupation, insisting on a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, a permanent cessation of aggression, and the unconditional entry of humanitarian aid.
At the same time, Hamas has also signaled readiness to step aside from exclusive rule in Gaza, endorsing the idea of a national unity or technocratic government involving Fatah and other factions. Leaders have stressed that Gaza’s post-war administration should emerge through Palestinian consensus rather than externally imposed solutions.
In contrast, "Israel" has refused to commit to a full withdrawal, insisting instead on ethnically cleansing Palestinians out of Gaza through repeated forced displacement, starvation, and massacres.
