People Demand Action for Return of Hostages Kidnapped by Hamas
People gather in front of the United Nations Headquarters in Jerusalem demanding for action to be taken to return the hostages kidnapped by Hamas during the October 7 attacks (Reuters)
Families and Supporters Demand Support from Women’s Rights Groups
Choking back tears and shaking with anger, families and supporters of Israeli women and girls held captive by Hamas in Gaza lashed out at global women’s rights groups on Monday, asking why they have not spoken up for their loved ones.
Dozens of the hostages captured by Hamas terrorists during their Oct. 7 rampage through southern Israel are women and girls of all ages, from toddlers to the elderly.
Their families, during a media event in Tel Aviv, urged women’s groups, particularly those connected to the United Nations, to speak up and advocate for their release.
They also presented some of the health issues that the female captives are dealing with: breast cancer, heart disease, diabetes, asthma.
“Where are you when we most needed you,” said Yarden Gonen, whose sister Romi, 23, was shot in the hand as she was taken into captivity from an outdoor dance festival. “Don’t turn your back on our women, or on us.”
Reuma Tarshansky’s teenage son was killed in the Hamas attack on their home in Kibbutz Be’eri and her daughter Gali, 13, was taken captive.
“Every mother of an adolescent girl—and I’m sure you also have girls her age—who are going through changes, physical changes, hormonal changes, anything else a woman could understand and know, what a 13 year-old-girl goes through,” she said.
“I don’t know what my girl is going through over the past month. I can only imagine.”
The Hamas attack over a month ago sparked the war in Gaza, where Israel has since carried out a devastating bombardment and ground offensive.
“It is well known, well researched, and well documented that women and girls suffer more during captivity,” said Ruth Halperin-Kaddari, an Israeli legal expert and a former vice-chair of the U.N. Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, who spoke at the event.
Two speakers singled out the group U.N. Women, which last month put out a report on the impact of the crisis on Palestinian women and girls in Gaza.
“Where are you? Where is your voice? Why is it not heard?” said Kinneret Stern, whose cousin Moran Stela Yanai, 40, was also taken captive from the music festival.
The rights of Israeli women, she said, “must be equal to those of every woman in the world.”
U.N. Women did not respond to a request for comment.
(Reporting by Joseph Campbell and Ari Rabinovitch; editing by Sandra Maler)
What concrete actions have been taken by the international community to secure the release of the hostages?
Ations, to demand action and support from the international community to secure the release of their loved ones.
Hamas’ Flagrant Disregard for Human Rights
The kidnapping of innocent civilians by Hamas is not new, but the recent attacks have escalated the urgency to address this issue. Hamas, a Palestinian militant group, has repeatedly shown a flagrant disregard for human rights by using kidnapping as a tactic to further their political agenda.
These actions not only violate the basic principles of humanity and morality, but they also undermine the prospects for peace in the region. The international community must come together and send a clear message to Hamas that such acts of terrorism and hostage-taking will not be tolerated.
A Call for Swift Action
The families and supporters gathered in front of the United Nations Headquarters in Jerusalem with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. They demanded immediate action from the international community to pressure Hamas into releasing the hostages.
These families have already endured weeks of unimaginable fear and anxiety, not knowing the fate of their loved ones. The situation is a ticking time bomb, and every passing day only exacerbates their pain and suffering.
Israel has repeatedly called for the intervention of the international community to secure the release of the hostages, but concrete actions have yet to be taken. Families are now turning to women’s rights groups, hoping that their influence and advocacy can help bring their loved ones back home.
Empowering Women’s Rights Groups
Women’s rights groups have long been at the forefront of advocating for justice and equality. Their influence and power can be instrumental in raising awareness and pressuring governments and international bodies to take action.
By leveraging their platforms and networks, women’s rights groups can amplify the voices of the families affected by this tragedy. They can use their influence to urge governments, particularly those connected to the United Nations, to prioritize the release of the hostages and hold Hamas accountable for their actions.
Unifying for a Just Cause
The plight of the kidnapped women and girls transcends political and religious affiliations. It is a matter of basic human rights and justice.
It is crucial for all women’s rights groups, regardless of their specific focus, to unite and demand immediate action. By standing together, these groups can demonstrate the power and strength of their collective voice, sending a powerful message to Hamas and the international community.
The time for silence is over. The families and supporters of the kidnapped hostages call upon all women’s rights groups to join forces and demand justice for their loved ones. Their voices must be heard, and their demands for action must be met.
Only through unity and a relentless pursuit of justice can we hope to bring an end to the suffering of these innocent victims and achieve a future of peace and security for all.
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