Israeli Hostage Families Say Netanyahu Has Given Up, Turn to Trump
In a powerful and emotional interview with The Media Line, reporter Gabriel Colodro speaks with American-Israeli activist Gil Dickmann, a leading voice in the Hostages and Missing Families Forum and cousin of murdered hostage Carmel Gat. Dickmann accuses the Israeli government of abandoning the remaining 59 hostages held in Gaza by Hamas, saying that political priorities have overtaken the imperative to save lives.
This week, the Israeli Security Cabinet voted to reject a hostage deal and expand military operations, including a planned takeover of Rafah. Dickmann views this as a moral failure and a deliberate choice of “conquest over life.” He says the government is issuing false reassurances while ignoring clear intelligence that further military escalation could lead to more hostage deaths.
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Dickmann criticizes Defense Minister Israel Katz and hostage affairs coordinator Gal Hirsch, alleging they dismissed clear warnings. He also denounces Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer’s failed diplomatic efforts, noting that no hostages have returned since Dermer took office, compared to over 100 beforehand.
As confidence in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plummets among hostage families, Dickmann expresses hope that US President Donald Trump—credited by some for past breakthroughs—can exert pressure to bring about a deal.
With time running out, Dickmann says the Forum remains committed to their campaign inside Israel and globally, driven by a belief in life over vengeance. For a complete account of Dickmann’s interview and what’s at stake for the remaining hostages, read Gabriel Colodro’s full report at The Media Line.
