ALWAGHT- The father of an Israeli captive held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip has urged former US President Donald Trump to pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end Israel’s devastating war on the blockaded coastal enclave.
Yehuda Cohen, father of an Israeli captive held by Hamas, has pleaded for former US President Trump to pressure Netanyahu to end the war, hoping it will save his son’s life. Israeli military offensives in Gaza have endangered at least 54 captives, with 20 reported dead due to strikes near their locations.
Since the war began in October 2023, Israeli airstrikes have caused deaths among captives either directly or indirectly, despite some strikes being avoided out of concern for hostages. Hamas and allied groups currently hold 58 captives, including soldiers and settlers, some confirmed dead and others believed alive.
Throughout the conflict, Hamas has released several captives during ceasefires and truce periods, while Israel has freed thousands of Palestinian detainees in exchange. Although some captives have been found alive or their bodies recovered, others remain in captivity, including the body of a soldier killed in 2014 still held by Hamas.
