The family members of an Israeli hostage have visited Japan and called on the international community to increase pressure on Hamas. This comes as fighting between Israel and the Islamic group continues in the Gaza Strip.
Guy Gilboa Dalal was abducted by Hamas in October of 2023. He is now 24 years old.
His father, Ilan Gilboa Dalal, came to Japan with his older son, Gal. On Thursday, the two spoke at a news conference held at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan in Tokyo.
They said that Guy was at a concert with his friends near the boundary with the enclave when he was attacked, snatched by the Islamic group and taken to Gaza.
Ilan noted that nearly two years have passed since Guy was abducted. Referring to the hostages, he said, “We don’t know if they got any food or medical aids.”
He expressed his concerns and said, “We fear very much for their lives.” Referring specifically to Guy, he said, “I miss him, and I want him to get back home.”
Then, Guy’s older brother, Gal, spoke. He said, “Hamas, they won’t release the hostages, and they use them as cards in their games.”
He added, “We can’t put military pressure, but we need your help, the diplomatic pressure from you and from the whole world to push Hamas to a great deal.”
Fifty hostages taken by Hamas are still in Gaza. Israel has indicated that it intends to expand its military operations in the territory. There is no clear prospect for a ceasefire deal or the release of the hostages.
AloJapan.com