The niece of Gadi Moses, an 80-year-old hostage still held by Hamas, has criticized the Israeli government for not reaching an agreement to secure the release of her uncle and other hostages from Gaza.
“We are urgently calling for international support and for our government officials, especially our prime minister, who is creating a troubling legacy, to act swiftly to secure a ceasefire and bring them home,” Efrat Machikawa told CNN.
Her comments come amid growing pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure a ceasefire deal with Hamas, following the Israeli military’s recovery of the bodies of six hostages killed in Gaza.
A nationwide strike has been initiated after Israel’s largest labor union called for action to advocate for a hostage deal, and protests have erupted with demonstrators accusing Netanyahu of inadequately protecting the hostages.
Machikawa expressed increased concern for her uncle’s safety following the recent recovery of the deceased hostages.
“For 11 months of abuse, starvation, and torture, all six hostages in Hamas captivity survived. They showed incredible strength, yet they were murdered. This is deeply frightening and underscores the urgency of the situation,” Machikawa said. “The decisions of the Israeli government are misguided; it’s time to finalize that deal.”
Anger at Netanyahu
Machikawa urged people to join protests against Netanyahu, criticizing him for “not taking responsibility” and accusing him of prioritizing his own political survival over the well-being of the Israeli people and the state.
“He needs to be the one to sign that deal, not abandon everyone, but to bring them back home—through a deal, through a ceasefire. It’s time for them to come home, including my very dear uncle, Gadi Moses,” Machikawa said.
Machikawa described her uncle as a kind and spiritually strong man who “always radiates joy and kindness.”
According to his niece, Moses has dedicated his life to peace activism, collaborating with Arab countries and Palestinians to tackle challenges through agricultural innovation.
She expressed hope for his safe return, emphasizing that his family, including his 12 grandchildren, long to once again share life’s simple pleasures together.
“I wish for him to reclaim his freedom and return to a sense of normalcy. I hope we can soon celebrate his return with a toast, cherishing the joy of life together once again,” she said.
How many hostages remain in Gaza?
Following the recovery of the bodies of six hostages killed in Gaza, the current number of captives in the enclave is 101, including 35 believed to be deceased, according to data from the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office.
Of these, 97 individuals were captured during the October 7 attack on Israel. Prior to October 7, there were four hostages in Gaza, two of whom were Israeli service members and are now deceased, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
Israel is experiencing a nationwide strike, with widespread participation expected
