Almog Levy is celebrating his third birthday without his parents, who were killed and abducted by Hamas gunmen. His uncle, Michael Levy, described the heart-wrenching experience of watching Almog call out for his parents every day and not understanding why they can’t be with him. A video released by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum shows Almog’s father being kidnapped along with two other men, capturing the traumatic moments when the men were taken captive. Michael Levy expressed his frustration over the Israeli government’s failure to secure the release of the hostages, saying it has been the longest nightmare he has ever had.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing criticism for his handling of the conflict with Hamas, as he continues his focus on destroying the militant group militarily. Despite calls for a cease-fire agreement supported by the Biden administration, Netanyahu has indicated he would only accept a partial deal that would not end the war. The death toll in Gaza has risen to over 37,600 since Israel’s offensive in response to Hamas’ terror attacks in October, with more than 1,200 people killed and over 240 taken hostage. The resignation of Netanyahu’s chief political rival and former defense minister has further complicated the situation.
Michael Levy urged the Israeli government to do everything possible to secure the release of the hostages, emphasizing the urgent need for a deal to be reached. He highlighted the deplorable treatment of the hostages, as shown in the recent video released by Hamas, and expressed concern for their well-being. While over 100 hostages were previously released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, Israeli officials believe that 120 hostages remain in Gaza and at least 44 are presumed dead. Levy emphasized the need to humanize the hostages and not just view them as numbers.
Levy shared his deep bond with his brother and expressed how much he missed the small, everyday interactions they used to have. He described his brother as his baby brother and lamented the inability to talk to him or share moments of joy and sorrow. Levy stressed the importance of remembering the personal connections and emotions involved in the hostage situation, urging the public to see his brother not just as a statistic. The ongoing conflict has had a profound impact on the families of the hostages, including Levy, who continue to hold out hope for their loved ones’ safe return.
Shira Pinson reported from Tel Aviv, and David Hodari from London, providing insight into the emotional toll inflicted on families like the Levys as they navigate the uncertainty and anguish of missing loved ones. The situation underscores the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the human cost of prolonged violence and instability. As the international community watches, the pressure mounts on Netanyahu and his government to secure the release of hostages and work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The plight of Almog Levy and the other hostages serves as a stark reminder of the impact of political decisions on individual lives and the urgent need for humanitarian solutions in times of crisis.
