TheLittleTwentieth – Renowned Papers Edition, AI Infused

Local sources from Israel: Al Jazeera English, Ynetnews.
UK coverage: Al Jazeera English.

Israeli families are still waiting for the release of their loved ones who are being held captive by various groups, with one of the most well-known cases being that of Avera Mengistu, an Israeli man who crossed into Gaza in 2014 and has been held there ever since. The families of these captives are frustrated with the lack of progress in securing their release and feel abandoned by the Israeli government. They are calling for more action and attention to be given to their loved ones’ cases.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday following the return of 13 Israeli captives held by Hamas that “we’re committed to the return of all of our captives.” According to Netanyahu, “We have now completed the return of our first captives – children, their mothers, and other women. Each and every one of them is a world unto themselves. The safe return of every captive is one of the war’s goals, and we’re committed to achieving all of the war’s goals.”

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also spoke following the release of the captives and said that “this is an important first step.” According to Gallant, “We’ll continue to do everything necessary to bring the captives home. It is our duty for the captives, for their families, and for the State of Israel.”

National Unity party head, Minister Benny Gantz, said that “the whole of Israel is now experiencing mixed emotions – joy, pain, sorrow, and conviction. Joy and relief for every soul we save, for every child, mother, and grandmother who returns to their family. Pain and sorrow for the families whose loved ones have not yet returned and are determined to continue fighting until everyone’s back home, until we create a different reality, in which the citizens of Israel will be able to live completely secure.”

President Isaac Herzog also spoke, saying, “I want to thank the people involved in the negotiations, everyone in the security forces, soldiers fighting on the ground, the Israeli intelligence institutions, officials dealing with the captives and those still missing, the psychology teams, the social workers, the medical, rescue, and rehabilitation personnel, other relevant bodies.”

Israeli families are still waiting for the release of their loved ones who are being held captive by various groups. Despite the recent release of 13 captives, the families of those still held captive are frustrated with the lack of progress in securing their release and feel abandoned by the Israeli government. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, National Unity party head Benny Gantz, and President Isaac Herzog have all spoken out about the need to bring the captives home and have committed to doing everything necessary to ensure their safe return. As the families of the captives continue to wait, they are calling for more action and attention to be given to their loved ones’ cases.