Israeli hostages’ relatives call for concessions to secure their release

Dozens of rallies held and some family members say Israeli government must start negotiations with Hamas

Palestinians look for survivors of the Israeli bombardment in the Maghazi refugee camp in the Gaza Strip, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023. Picture: AP Photo/Fatima Shbair

Relatives of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza are calling on Benjamin Netanyahu to make significant concessions to secure the freedom of their loved ones.

The Israeli prime minister has told families that freeing the hostages is “one of the missions” of the war being waged against Hamas, but has so far not said that he will prioritise obtaining their release above the military objective of destroying the extremist Islamist organisation.