I fear we’re crossing a dark threshold. This weekend, Netanyahu moved forward with his plan to massively escalate the fighting to fully re-occupy Gaza.
In Israel, hostage families are in despair. I think of the words of Arbel Yehoud, a freed 29-year-old hostage, pleading with political leaders to immediately seek a hostage deal for the sake of her partner, his brother and all hostages still in captivity: “Your hands will be covered in their blood and the blood of the soldiers if you do not stop this war.”
Many weary, angry reservists are either failing to report for duty or showing up in distress. Former leaders in the IDF, Mossad and Shin Bet say this is madness and will only lead to more pain.
We fear for the lives of the many brave Gazans who have once again taken to the streets to protest Hamas, calling for an end to the displacement and the war. The footage coming out of Gaza is agonizing – children killed by airstrikes, families forced to gather remaining belongings to evacuate once again.
And while we are encouraged that US pressure pushed Netanyahu to allow what he described as “minimal” aid, let’s be clear: Without an end to the war and an immediate effort to deliver food, water and medicine, the suffering will deepen and more innocent lives will be lost.
We’re continuing our work to rally opposition, amplify the voices of hostage families, security experts, and peace advocates – and to press the Trump Administration to use its leverage to end this madness. In case you missed it, our email laying out just how disastrous this path will be is linked here.
Please feel free to share it with your networks.
Thank you for your support in this incredibly difficult time.
Jeremy Ben-Ami
President, J Street
