Concerned Families Fear for Loved Ones Held in Gaza by Hamas

A British-Israeli woman, Ayelet Svatitzky, expressed her deep concern for the well-being of her diabetic mother and brother, who are believed to be among the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Svatitzky's mother, Channah Peri, aged 79, and her brother, Nadav Popplewell, aged 51, were taken captive when their kibbutz in southern Israel was attacked on October 7th. Tragically, Svatitzky's other brother, Roi, aged 54, was killed during the attack. Svatitzky pleaded with the UK government to use all available means to secure their release. On the day of the incident, the attackers sent her two pictures from her mother's phone, showing her mother and brother in their living room with the word "Hamas" written underneath. A third picture was later shared on her mother's Facebook page, featuring them alongside an armed Hamas militant. Since then, there has been no further communication regarding their well-being. The lack of access to necessary medication for her diabetic family members has become a major source of worry for Svatitzky, as she does not know how long they can survive without it. The inability to receive updates, proof of life, or access to medication from the Red Cross has added to her distress. Svatitzky also shared that she has not been able to properly mourn her deceased brother, as his body has not yet been officially identified or buried. Desperate for her family's return, she urged the British government to take action, emphasizing that taking elderly people and young children as hostages should be considered a war crime. Svatitzky and her brothers are British citizens, originally from Wakefield, West Yorkshire. Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick stated that the UK is intensely collaborating with its regional partners to secure the release of British nationals held captive by Hamas. Another individual, Ofri Bibas Levi, expressed her nightmare upon learning that her family members had also been taken hostage from their home in Nir Oz. She has not had any contact with her brother, Yarden, his wife, Shiri, and their two young children since the incident. Levi worried about the atrocities they may have witnessed and the uncertain conditions they are now in. Their basic needs and well-being remain a concern. The international community has been called upon for support, but now urgent action is sought to secure their release. Pressure is also being placed on the government to allow humanitarian organizations to visit them and ensure their safety. The longer they remain captive, the harder it will be to rescue them and the lesser their chances of survival. Despite the challenging circumstances, Svatitzky, as well as other family members affected by the hostage situation, still hold onto hope that their loved ones will be brought home safely. David Barr, a British-Israeli man residing in an attacked kibbutz, emphasized the importance of prioritizing the return of the hostages and called on the British government to fulfill its moral obligation by ensuring the safe return of their elderly parents, children, and babies.