Families of Israeli hostages in Gaza Strip demand 'explanations' over intensified operations

The families of the hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip expressed their "concern" on Saturday over the intensified bombing and reported ground invasion of the territory, and demanded an explanation from the government.

"Anxiety, frustration, and especially enormous anger that no one from the war cabinet bothered to meet with the families of the abductees to explain to them one thing – whether the ground operation endangers the safety of the 229 abductees in Gaza," said the statement from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.

"Families are worried about the fate of their loved ones and are waiting for explanations. Every minute seems like an eternity. We demand that Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and members of the war cabinet meet with us this morning."

At least 220 people are thought to remain held hostage in Gaza following Hamas' operation in southern Israel on 7 October.