Netanyahu is only obstacle to bringing hostages home, families say

September 14, 2025

The families of Israeli hostages have accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of deliberately sabotaging peace deals, calling him the "one obstacle" preventing the return of the 48 remaining hostages. This accusation follows Israel's controversial strike in Qatar that killed five Hamas members who were there to discuss a US-proposed ceasefire. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has arrived in Israel amid international condemnation of the attack, with President Trump reportedly unhappy about the strike.

Who is affected

The 48 remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas
Families of the hostages in Israel
Palestinian civilians in Gaza, particularly in Gaza City
Residents being forced to evacuate Gaza City (approximately 250,000 people)
Qatar as a nation and its role as a mediator
People suffering from famine in Gaza (at least 144 reported deaths from starvation)

What action is being taken

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting Israel to meet with Netanyahu
Israeli forces are intensifying airstrikes on Gaza City, targeting schools and shelters
Israel is warning Gaza City residents to evacuate immediately before a ground offensive
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum is publicly criticizing Netanyahu's handling of hostage negotiations
Israel is expanding efforts to facilitate aid deliveries to Gaza

Why it matters

The ongoing conflict has resulted in at least 64,871 Palestinian deaths according to Gaza's health ministry
42 hostages have already died in captivity according to the families' group
A famine has been declared in Gaza City by UN-backed experts
The strike in Qatar could damage diplomatic relations with a key US ally in the region
The peace negotiation process is being disrupted, potentially prolonging the conflict
Israel's military escalation in Gaza City could worsen the humanitarian catastrophe

What's next

Marco Rubio will meet with Netanyahu during his visit to Israel
Israel appears to be preparing for a major ground offensive in Gaza City
According to Rubio, the US priority remains returning all hostages and ending the war in Gaza

Read full article from source: BBC