Hostage Families Slam Israeli Government for "Strategic Collapse"

As Israel initiates a new daily humanitarian pause in Gaza and expands the flow of aid, including unprecedented airdrops by Israeli Air Force planes, the families of the hostages held by Hamas are launching a scathing public rebuke against the Israeli government.

"Once again, the government’s bluff is exposed," said the Hostages Families Forum in a sharply worded statement. "A thousand promises of being 'one step from victory' or reaching a 'turning point' will not cover up the simple and painful truth: the Israeli government has no strategy, neither for freeing the hostages nor for defeating Hamas."

Their anger comes on the heels of a government-approved operation that saw pallets of flour, sugar, and canned goods parachuted into Gaza, a move critics say underscores the lack of coherent policy, even as dozens of Israelis remain in Hamas captivity.

"This is what the failure of partial deals looks like," the families added. "A failure that could have been avoided months ago, had Israel chosen the only logical path: a comprehensive deal to release all the hostages and end the war. Instead, we’re paying the heaviest price, with nothing in return."

The group urged Israeli leadership to shift course: "On behalf of the overwhelming majority of the Israeli public, it’s not too late to recalculate. It’s time for a single comprehensive agreement and an end to the fighting."

Earlier Sunday, the IDF announced the beginning of a “localized tactical pause” in combat operations from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily in areas where the army is not operating: Al-Mawasi, Deir al-Balah, and parts of Gaza City. The measure, coordinated with the United Nations and other international organizations, is meant to facilitate the safe passage of humanitarian aid convoys.

Secure humanitarian corridors were also announced, open from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., to allow the UN and aid groups to distribute food and medicine.

Despite the pause, the IDF emphasized in its statement: "The military will continue offensive operations against terrorist organizations in Gaza, alongside humanitarian efforts, to protect the citizens of Israel. The IDF is prepared to expand operations if necessary."

In a first-of-its-kind move, seven humanitarian aid pallets were air-dropped into Gaza overnight by Israeli aircraft, though the supplies were funded by a foreign donor.