Israel's Hostages and Missing Families Forum opposes recognition of Palestinian statehood

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has condemned moves to recognise Palestinian statehood while Israeli captives remain held in Gaza, saying such recognition “amounts to rewarding terrorism”.

On its website, the forum describes itself as a civil organisation focused on the "safe return of all Israeli citizens held hostage" in Gaza.

"Such recognition is not a step toward peace, but rather a clear violation of international law and a dangerous moral and political failure that legitimizes horrific war crimes," the forum wrote.

The family members of the captives said that if the international community desires peace, it "must join US efforts by calling for their release from captivity and an end to the fighting in Gaza". 

According to the Palestinian health ministry, 154 Palestinians - including 89 children - have died as a result of Israeli-enforced starvation.

Israeli forces have killed more than 60,000 Palestinians since the war began.

Far-right ministers in the Jewish Power party have said that "the mission to return the hostages being held in Gaza back to Israel should not be the primary goal of Israel's war in Gaza".