Over 250 Former Israeli Intelligence Officials Call for End to Gaza Conflict and Hostage Return: Reports
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Synopsis
More than 250 ex-officials from Israel's Mossad have urged the government to end the Gaza war and secure the release of hostages. Their letter emphasizes the danger to lives and stresses the need for courageous decisions for national security.
Key Takeaways
- Over 250 ex-Mossad officials demand an end to Gaza conflict.
- Continued fighting poses risks to hostages and soldiers.
- Support for military aircrew members advocating for peace.
- Israeli Prime Minister criticizes dissenting voices.
- Hamas holds 59 Israeli hostages, 24 of whom are alive.
Jerusalem, April 14 (NationPress) Over 250 former officials from Israel's Mossad intelligence agency have penned a letter urging the government to promptly conclude the warfare in the Gaza Strip and facilitate the release of the Israeli hostages still detained there, according to a report by Israel's state-owned Kan TV News.
The letter's signatories include three past Mossad directors: Danny Yatom, Efraim Halevy, and Tamir Pardo, alongside numerous veteran officials from the agency.
These ex-Mossad agents stated, "Ongoing conflict jeopardizes the safety of both hostages and our soldiers, and every effort must be made to achieve a resolution that alleviates the suffering. We urge the government to make bold choices and act judiciously for the security of the nation."
They voiced their support for hundreds of military aircrew members, both reserve and retired, who also signed a similar letter advocating for a halt to hostilities and the return of the hostages, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
Following the release of the aircrew members' letter on Thursday, Israeli Air Force Commander Tomer Bar opted to dismiss active reservists who were among the signatories.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu endorsed the dismissal and criticized such letters, labeling the signatories as "an extremist fringe group" attempting to "fracture Israeli society from within."
Additionally, on Sunday, approximately 200 Israeli military doctors endorsed a petition echoing the call for an end to fighting and for the safe return of the hostages, as per several media outlets that released a copy of the letter.
"The ongoing conflict in Gaza primarily serves political and personal agendas, lacking any security rationale, and jeopardizes the lives of both soldiers and hostages," the letter stated.
During the attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, Hamas captured 251 hostages. Currently, 59 Israeli hostages remain in Gaza, with 24 believed to be alive.
Israel and Hamas implemented a three-phase ceasefire-for-hostages agreement in January. However, discussions regarding the second phase have reached a stalemate following the expiration of the initial six-week phase on March 1. Israel resumed military actions in Gaza on March 18 amidst the deadlock on the ceasefire.
