Relatives of Israeli hostages held by Hamas for approximately 15 months in Gaza addressed journalists during a poignant press conference in Brussels this week.
The event, held in a synagogue near the European institutions, was deeply emotional, highlighting the suffering of the families while delivering a sharp critique of political inaction across the EU. It was a moment both symbolic and sobering, as the families shared their anguish against the backdrop of renewed hope for the release of the hostages.
Image: by Chris White
David Shek, a representative of the Forum of Families of Hostages who accompanied the relatives, emphasised that the individuals speaking were ordinary citizens prior to the October 7th Hamas attack. “When the slaughter and hostage-taking occurred, each of the family members here was simply living their lives, uninvolved in politics,” Shek noted.
However, the crisis has compelled them to speak out, and their frustration was evident. Under probing by journalists, they criticised the global response to the situation, particularly focusing on the perceived inaction of the EU and its member states in ending the war and securing the release of hostages.
Shek expressed disappointment in how governments and organisations have handled the crisis. “Since the October 7th invasion of Israel, both government and non-governmental organisations have performed very poorly,” he stated. The families echoed his sentiments, describing the international response as inadequate.
Udo Goren, cousin of Tal Haimi—a 42-year-old member of the Alert Squad who was killed on October 7th—condemned the attack as a crime against humanity. “I did not vote for Hamas,” Goren said. “The invasion was an atrocity.”
He also criticised international aid policies, arguing that aid sent to Gaza often falls under Hamas control. Goren stressed that if peace is achieved, reconstruction efforts must be closely monitored to ensure resources are used to rebuild homes and infrastructure, not tunnels for militant purposes.
Yoga Cohen, whose 19-year-old brother Nimrod Cohen was taken captive, voiced frustration about the lack of information available to the families. “All we know comes from the media,” Cohen said. Despite this, he attributed any pressure on Hamas to President Trump’s influence, suggesting that Trump’s stance has reshaped how terrorists perceive international dynamics.
The relatives also called for greater European involvement. Goren urged the EU to take a stronger stance, saying, “The EU must show its strength and become more vocal.
“The best outcome would be for the release of all hostages to lead to a domino effect toward peace, but that cannot happen until the last hostage is freed.”
Similarly, Glad Korngold, whose family member Tal Shoham is among the hostages, appealed for Europe to unite in support of peace and hostage release efforts. “Over a year ago, I was living in my kibbutz and working like any other citizen,” Korngold said. “Now, we are left out of the negotiations and know very little. What is clear is that everyone must support freeing the hostages.”
As the families made their heartfelt appeals, reports emerged of Hamas issuing additional demands. One Israeli official suggested that achieving peace could foster international cooperation modeled on the European Union. However, the families emphasised that their immediate priority is securing the release of the hostages and ensuring that future aid to Gaza is used constructively, not to support militant activities.
The event served as both a plea for action and a reminder of the human cost of the conflict. It underlined the urgent need for international unity and stronger measures to bring the hostages home while laying the groundwork for a lasting peace.
Main Image: EIPA.
