Avoiding Netanyahu’s Gaza War Trap: A Call for Peaceful Resolution

Israeli Hostage Families appeal to Trump, Accuse Netanyahu of Political maneuvering Amid gaza conflict

March 22, 2025

Tel Aviv, Israel – In a desperate plea echoing across international lines, families of Israeli hostages held captive in Gaza issued a public appeal on Friday, urging former U.S.President donald Trump to intervene and halt the ongoing conflict. gathered near the kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv, they accused prime minister benjamin Netanyahu of prioritizing political gains over the lives of their loved ones. The presentation underscores the agonizing dilemma faced by Israelis: balancing the need for national security with the imperative to bring their citizens home.

Yifat Kalderon, cousin of former hostage Ofer Kalderon, delivered a direct message aimed at compelling Trump’s involvement. “Netanyahu is manipulating the situation and has managed to convince you, Mr. President, that destroying Hamas is more important than rescuing the hostages,” she asserted. “But that is a lie. Israel’s national and security interest is first and foremost to bring the hostages home—those who are alive for rehabilitation, and those who are not for a proper burial.”

Kalderon emphasized that securing the release of all hostages and ending the fighting are crucial for Israel’s recovery following the October 7 Hamas attack. “This is not onyl the will of the majority, it is a basic Israeli interest,” she stated. “Without returning the hostages, there can be no national recovery. Mr. President, don’t fall into Netanyahu’s trap. Stop the war in Gaza before it’s too late. We are at a moment of truth.” This sentiment reflects a growing sense of urgency and frustration among families who feel their goverment isn’t doing enough to secure their relatives’ release.

Growing Dissension and Accusations

Yehuda Cohen, father of captive soldier Nimrod Cohen, painted a grim picture of the hostages’ plight and leveled harsh accusations against Netanyahu. “This is day 533 that 59 hostages are held in the hell of Gaza,” Cohen stated, highlighting the prolonged suffering of those held captive. “After sabotaging a deal, Netanyahu is now sacrificing the hostages.From this protest camp at kaplan Gate, we say to all of Israel—Netanyahu is killing the hostages and destroying the country. Take to the streets! This is a national emergency!”

Cohen went on to accuse Netanyahu of reigniting the war at the expense of the hostages’ safety. “Instead of ending the war and bringing everyone home in one stage, he reopened the fighting and sacrificed the hostages,” he argued. “He unleashed hell on them—not on Hamas. He chose this path knowingly,and aligned himself with [Finance Minister Bezalel] Smotrich and [National Security Minister Itamar] Ben Gvir. That truth must be told in every home and media outlet in Israel.”

“Instead of choosing life, Netanyahu chose death,”

Yehuda Cohen, father of captive soldier Nimrod Cohen

Cohen further claimed, “The war is killing the hostages. And now, there is a horrifying possibility that it may erase all trace of them. He chose war to avoid his criminal trial and a state commission of inquiry. Under the cover of war,he is dismantling the state and entrenching his rule. This is an emergency—people must not stay silent.” These are serious allegations that strike at the heart of netanyahu’s leadership and raise questions about his motivations in prolonging the conflict.

The Human Cost of Prolonged Conflict

Merav Savirsky, whose brother Itay was murdered while in captivity, offered a deeply personal and heartbreaking account of the consequences of inaction. “My beloved brother survived 99 days in captivity before he was murdered. He could have been saved. Many of the 41 hostages who were kidnapped alive and later killed due to military pressure could have been saved,” Savirsky shared, her voice heavy with grief. “We must not let those still alive suffer the same fate. This war doesn’t bring hostages home—it kills them.”

savirsky directly blamed Netanyahu for the breakdown in negotiations. “He disbanded the negotiation team, denied them a mandate, and has yet to present an israeli proposal to bring all the hostages home,” she said. “If he truly wanted to secure their release, he would put forward a framework to end the war and bring them back. But Netanyahu only cares about Netanyahu.The blood of every hostage who dies is on his hands. Every moment of their suffering is a mark of shame on him and his government. He is enabling their deaths and tearing the country apart. We must bring them all home—now.”

Implications for U.S. Policy and Public Opinion

This appeal to former President Trump highlights the complex role the United States plays in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Historically, the U.S. has been a key mediator,providing significant financial and military aid to Israel. This situation raises several critical questions for U.S. policymakers and the American public:

• What leverage does the U.S. have to push for a ceasefire and hostage release?
• Should the U.S. condition aid to Israel on progress in the peace process and the treatment of Palestinian civilians?
• How does the ongoing conflict impact U.S. national security interests in the region?

The hostage crisis and the accusations against Netanyahu could potentially sway U.S. public opinion. as Americans learn more about the human cost of the conflict,they may demand greater accountability from both Israeli and Palestinian leaders. Already, there are parallels being drawn to past hostage crises involving American citizens, such as the Iran hostage crisis in 1979, which considerably impacted the Carter administration and shaped U.S. foreign policy for decades. The potential for a similar shift in public sentiment exists provided that American citizens remain in captivity.

Furthermore, the strong criticism leveled against Netanyahu could fuel existing divisions within the American Jewish community, where views on Israel’s policies are increasingly diverse. Some American Jews may sympathize with the hostage families’ plight and question Netanyahu’s leadership, while others may strongly support Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas.

The situation demands a nuanced understanding of the complexities of the Israeli-palestinian conflict and the various perspectives within both societies. as the crisis unfolds, American policymakers and citizens must carefully consider the implications for U.S. foreign policy, regional stability, and the lives of ordinary people caught in the crossfire.

Potential Counterarguments and Considerations

While the hostage families’ pleas are undeniably compelling, it’s critically important to consider potential counterarguments. Some argue that a complete cessation of military operations would allow Hamas to regroup and rearm, posing an even greater threat to Israel’s security in the long run.

Moreover, Netanyahu’s supporters might argue that he is acting in the best interests of the Israeli people, prioritizing the elimination of Hamas to prevent future attacks like the one on October 7. They might also point to the difficulties in negotiating with a terrorist organization like Hamas, which has a long history of violating ceasefires and using civilians as human shields.

These counterarguments highlight the inherent dilemma faced by Israeli leaders: how to balance the immediate need to rescue hostages with the long-term goal of ensuring the country’s security. there are no easy answers, and any decision will inevitably have profound consequences for both Israelis and Palestinians.

Update: Trump Shares US Hostage’s Plea from Kfar Aza Ruins

Adding another layer of complexity to the situation, former President Trump recently shared a video featuring a U.S. hostage pleading for his intervention. The video, filmed amidst the destruction in Kfar Aza, shows the hostage appealing directly to Trump to bring all hostages out of Gaza. This development puts additional pressure on the Biden administration and underscores the delicate balance the U.S. must strike in its approach to the conflict.

To what extent might the growing international pressure on Israel regarding the hostage crisis impact the outcome of negotiations with Hamas?

Interview: The Israeli Hostage Crisis and Political Maneuvering

Archyde News: Welcome,Dr. Eliana Cohen, to Archyde News. Thank you for joining us to discuss the ongoing crisis involving Israeli hostages in Gaza and the recent accusations against Prime Minister Netanyahu.

Dr. Cohen: Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial time to have this conversation.

The Families’ Appeal

Archyde News: The families of the hostages are making a direct appeal to former President Trump.what’s the meaning of this, and what does it say about their perception of the current Israeli government’s actions?

Dr. Cohen: This appeal is a desperate move, signaling deep distrust in Netanyahu’s leadership. They believe he’s prioritizing political objectives over the safety of their loved ones. appealing to Trump is a strategic attempt to leverage external pressure and potentially alter the course of the conflict, given the U.S.’s influence.

Accusations of Political Manipulation

Archyde News: We’ve seen strong accusations, including claims that Netanyahu is “killing the hostages” through his actions.How credible are these assertions, and what factors feed into this narrative of prioritizing political gain?

Dr.Cohen: The accusations are serious, but it’s critical to unpack them carefully. The families’ grief and frustration are undeniable. From their outlook, any actions that prolong the conflict are seen as a direct threat to the hostages’ lives. There appears to be a concern that the current government is using the war strategy for political purposes, such as delaying trials and consolidating power, which, intentionally or not, has detrimental impacts towards hostage negotiations.

The Role of U.S. Policy

archyde News: The article also raises key questions about the U.S. role. Should the U.S. condition aid to Israel on progress in the peace process and the treatment of civilians? What leverage does the U.S. have?

Dr. Cohen: The U.S. holds important leverage through its financial and military aid. Conditioning aid is a complex issue. It could potentially push for a ceasefire and hostage release and ensure the protection towards civilians, although this approach could potentially affect long-term relations.However, there’s also the risk it could be seen as interference. This situation highlights the need for nuanced diplomacy and a clear articulation of U.S. values and interests.

Counterarguments and the Path Forward

Archyde News: Of course, there are counterarguments. Some believe a cessation of military operations could allow Hamas to regroup. How can Israel balance securing citizens’ release with the need to ensure their safety? Where do you see the best path forward?

Dr. Cohen: It’s a tragic dilemma. The security concerns are legitimate; however, prioritizing the hostages’ lives right now is a moral imperative. Israel needs to find common ground, potentially through international mediation, and clearly communicate its commitment to securing the hostages’ release as an immediate priority. It should also consider how its actions affect the population in Gaza overall.

Archyde News: Dr. Cohen, considering the divisions within the American Jewish community, do you foresee U.S. public sentiment shifting considerably, possibly impacting both U.S.policy and how American Jews view Israel?

Dr. Cohen: Absolutely. As more people understand the human cost, the situation in Gaza has the potential to sway both public opinion and U.S. policy. the internal divisions within the American Jewish community are already evident, and further developments could widen this rift. It’s a critical moment that demands empathy, reflection, and thoughtful action. what do you think the most pressing action should be?