In an effort to pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, families of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza have staged a flotilla towards the Palestinian enclave. The move comes as the government considers expanding its military operation in Gaza.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has strongly opposed any expansion of the operation, citing concerns for the safety of their loved ones. “This is an SOS call to the Israeli government,” said Lior Horev from the forum. “We cannot enter Gaza and get our loved ones back home, but this is a mayday call.”
The Israeli security cabinet is set to vote on Thursday on a full reoccupation of Gaza, which would mark a major escalation of the conflict. The humanitarian situation in Gaza has become catastrophic, with over 61,000 Palestinians killed since the start of the war.
Families and human rights organizations have expressed concerns that any expansion of the operation would put hostages at even greater risk. “The decision of the cabinet to prolong the war will be a death sentence to those alive and will make it impossible to return those who have been murdered by Hamas,” said Horev.
A group of boats carrying Israeli flags sailed towards Gaza, with participants using loudspeakers to deliver their message. The flotilla was unable to reach the shore due to Israel’s military restrictions, but its arrival marks a clear show of defiance against Netanyahu’s government.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/08/07/middleeast/gaza-hostage-families-boat-protest-latam-intl