Families of Israeli prisoners warn of ‘drowning in Gaza quagmire’

Families of Israeli prisoners in the Gaza Strip said that the Israeli government is approaching a “historic waste” of the opportunity to return prisoners and stop the war, as attacks on the Gaza Strip have intensified and US President Donald Trump has wrapped up his trip to the Persian Gulf.

In a statement issued by the Prisoners’ Families Association, the families expressed concern that the current developments could lead to Israel becoming isolated and embroiled in a war, rather than part of a broader regional agreement.

“The families of the prisoners woke up this morning with heavy hearts and deep fear, amid reports of escalating attacks in Gaza and the approaching end of President Trump’s visit to the region,” the statement said.

“All evidence suggests that Israel is only hours away from wasting a century. Instead of releasing all prisoners, participating in a broader regional effort, and stopping the war, Israel may find itself isolated and drowning in the Gaza quagmire,” the families added.

“To miss this historic opportunity would be a clear defeat for Israel,” the families continued. "The attempts to thwart the initiatives on the table will be recorded in the pages of shame."

"We are living through dramatic hours, hours in which the fate of our loved ones, the fate of Israeli society, and the future of the entire Middle East are being decided," the families said.

The Israel Broadcasting Corporation also reported, citing former Mossad chief Ephraim Halevi, that Israel does not give prisoners top priority.