Tel Aviv, Dec 6: Israel’s Army Spokesman Daniel Hagari on Wednesday confirmed there are still 138 hostages being held in Gaza, and called on the international community to do more to secure their release, the media reported.
“Our intelligence has been monitoring the situation of our hostages, and I can say with absolute certainty that every moment in Hamas captivity endangers their lives,” Hagari said in a press briefing as quoted by BBC report.
“Every day, every hour, every minute is critical.”
The Spokesman added that the international community “must take action”, and that the Red Cross must have access to the hostages, BBC reported.
“The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) will do everything in its power to bring them home. We call on others to do the same,” Hagari said.
A total of 110 hostages taken during the October 7 attacks on Israel have been released – 78 were freed during a six-day ceasefire at the end of November as part of a deal between Israel and Hamas.
Hostages require regular medical care: Forum
Tel Aviv, Dec 6: Representatives of the Families and the Hostage Families’ Headquarters in a letter to members of the Israeli Security Cabinet said that at least one-third of the hostages suffer from underlying medical conditions that require regular medical care.
The letter said, “We have received solid intelligence that there are hostages whose condition has deteriorated and who are now in immediate danger of life due to untreated injuries or illnesses. We demand that you take urgent action, using your initiative and creativity, to reach a deal for the immediate release of all the hostages.”
The letter includes expert testimony provided by Hagai Levine, Head of the medical team at the Hostage Families Headquarters. His testimony is based on first-hand accounts given to cabinet members on Tuesday by some of the released hostages regarding the condition of those still in captivity. (IANS)
