A group of 600 retired Israeli security officials, including former heads of intelligence, have urged former US President Donald Trump to pressure Israel to end the war in Gaza. In an open letter, they said Hamas no longer posed a strategic threat to Israel and asked Trump to use his influence to help end the fighting and return hostages.
Their appeal follows reports that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking to expand military operations in Gaza, even as ceasefire talks with Hamas remain stalled. The letter comes days after Hamas and Islamic Jihad released videos of two visibly emaciated Israeli hostages.
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Since the conflict began in October last year, more than 60,000 people have died in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The UN says famine conditions are unfolding, with at least 180 people, including 93 children, reported dead from malnutrition.
Despite growing international calls for a ceasefire, Netanyahu has insisted that hostages will be freed through continued military pressure. But families of those held captive have condemned further military escalation, warning it could endanger the hostages’ lives.
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