Hamas 'associates' reportedly threaten and harass hostage families: "you won't see your loved ones"

Since the Oct. 7 terrorist attack, families of hostages held by Hamas have received threatening calls from their captive loved ones.

According to The Jerusalem Post, families have received threatening messages from unknown sources that instruct them to "fight the government" or "you won’t see your loved ones return" in addition to ransom demands. These messages were reportedly turned over to Israeli intelligence agency Shin Bet by the families.

It has been discovered that the individuals responsible for sending the messages are either from Iran or linked to Hamas.

According to Israel Today, as many as 109 hostages are still being held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, although some are believed to have been killed.

The kidnappings and hostage situation continue to cause frustration for the American and Israeli governments, with families becoming increasingly desperate after nearly a year. Both Democrats and Republicans highlighted hostage families in their conventions this year and emphasized foreign policy concerns, particularly regarding Israel.

The Israeli Defense Forces featured the parents of Omer Neutra, a 22-year-old hostage who was manning a base near Kibbutz Nir Oz when he was taken captive. Neutra grew up in Plainview, N.Y., on Long Island before he moved to Israel and joined the Israeli Defense Forces.

The Neutra family shared their support from former President Donald Trump, who personally contacted them after Omer's capture and assured them that he stands with their American hostages, as reported in the Jewish Journal.

The parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a 23-year-old hostage taken from the Nova Music Festival, were showcased by the Democrats during the convention. During the introduction, attendees chanted, "Bring them home!"

"Jon Polin, the hostage's father, stated that the families of the eight American hostages gather in Washington every few weeks. He added, "We're encouraged by the bipartisan support of both Democratic and Republican leaders for our hostages' release.""

"Polin stated that they have met with President Biden and Vice President Harris multiple times at the White House to discuss a hostage and cease-fire deal that will reunite families and end the suffering in Gaza. They expressed their gratitude for their efforts."

The Biden administration reported "constructive" advancements in negotiations for a cease-fire, which would involve the release of hostages. However, Israel and Hamas are still at odds over several crucial issues, including Hamas' demand for Israel to release prisoners and their differing views on how to handle the crossings and passageways between Gaza and its neighbors.

Egyptian authorities reportedly agreed to pass along an "acceptable" update to the proposal negotiators created, but some have questioned whether Hamas will agree to the deal as-is.

According to IDF MG (ret.) Yaakov Amidror, the Philadelphi Corridor is a crucial supply route for Hamas, and they use it to smuggle machinery into Gaza to manufacture weapons.

"Amidror, a JINSA Distinguished Fellow, stated that Israel cannot permit the occurrence of this event again. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the discussion is about finding a way to solve the problem. If a solution can be found, an agreement may be reached. However, Amidror is uncertain if Hamas will be willing to accept the proposed solution."