The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has sent an official request to Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, demanding an immediate meeting with all the families to receive clear answers regarding the government's plan to return the remaining hostages, the forum announced on Tuesday.
The forum's letter sharply criticizes Dermer, accusing him of a "hardened heart" and a failure to secure any hostage releases through negotiations.
The forum raised a "black flag" in response to the recent government decision to expand fighting in Gaza, arguing that this decision is a "disgraceful failure" that "disregards those who have paid an immense price.”
The families believe that expanding the war is equivalent to "sacrificing the hostages" and will likely lead to the "murder of living hostages and the disappearance of the fallen.”
"You are the minister responsible for the negotiations who has not brought back even one single hostage through negotiations," the letter states, contrasting Dermer's actions with those of US envoy Steve Witkoff, who met with the families for three hours during his short visit to Israel.
The families allege that the hostages who were released were returned through "deals advanced by the United States under President Trump.”
Letter cites 'dread and terror' for hostages' fate
The forum's letter conveys "profound dread" and "terror" for the fate of the 50 hostages who have been held captive for 22 months. They warn that the condition of the living hostages is "deteriorating" and that the fallen hostages "face a real risk of disappearing.”
"The people of Israel are saying clearly: return the hostages and end the war," the forum wrote, concluding with a powerful ultimatum to Dermer: "If you cannot bring them home, then it's time you make way for someone who can." The letter ends with the words "700 days of failure!"